The following post is a guest blog entry by Chris Orr, from Worcestershire Ambassadors.
I have struggled with my mental health for the last 5 years.
For four and a half of those years it was something that close friends and family knew about, but it was not something I talked openly about and it was not something I wanted to share in any great detail.
On those occasions where I did try to be more open and honest I always felt like I held back. I was afraid of the stigma that comes along with saying “I have a mental health problem” and I didn’t want my friends, family members and professional contacts to judge me.
I am still scared of all of those same things, but the events of 2020 have helped me realise that – by sharing – it may also be something I can use in a positive way to help others. The last year has been difficult for everyone; we have all had to adjust to new ways of working, socialising and living our lives and as we move into 2021 the effects of those changes will no doubt continue to impact us all.
I am fortunate to have gone from being a Director of one wonderful organisation – Worcestershire Advance – to being a Director another with the Worcestershire Ambassadors.
With the encouragement, support and help of the other Directors of the Worcestershire Ambassadors the Walk the Walk 2021 was born. This year long initiative is all about promoting good mental health and well-being. Everyone has mental health; it can be good, it can be bad, and it can vary, just like a person’s physical health.
We want people across Worcestershire to feel a little more comfortable talking and sharing how they feel – it’s not something to hide, to be ashamed of, and it is OK to ask for help.
The campaign has three main elements:-
(1) The Walk – we are inviting individuals and businesses to join us on a 238,900 mile journey to the moon. We are encouraging individuals to sign up, to record their normal activity and – importantly – to take a little time to walk, talk, and share.
(2) Fundraising – throughout 2021 we want to raise £20,000 through all of the individuals and businesses involved that we can then reinvest in Worcestershire to support good mental health for all.
(3) Awareness – we are engaging with businesses, individuals, organisations and professionals to help people to better understand mental health, build resilience, and to support themselves and others.
I am delighted that Worcestershire Advance has committed to joining the Worcestershire Ambassadors in our journey to the Moon, in helping us achieve our fundraising target, and in raising awareness about mental health. When our two organisations work together, amazing things usually follow, and I look forward to seeing members of Worcestershire Advance and the Ambassadors out and about walking and at events throughout 2021.
If you have yet to sign up, then please head to www.worcestershireambassadors.com/walkthewalk2021 to find out more about Walk the Walk 2021, and then hit the “Join Our Walk The Walk” button to register.
It’s important that we all look out for each other, now more than ever. If you are struggling then please reach out to someone. Do not be ashamed. Maybe ask a friend to join you for a walk and a chat, and take that first step. Likewise, if a friend doesn’t seem themselves ask them if they’re OK. Ask them twice and mean it. Together we can all make mental health as normal to talk about, and to deal with, as physical health.