Ross-on-Wye Mental Health Mates celebrates first year anniversary

The Ross-on-Wye Mental Health Mates group have just celebrated their first year. Spending time “with a group of like-minded, friendly people, who’ve experienced similar issues” group member Ben says, is what makes the Ross-on-Wye Mental Health Mates group a great source of support.

One year on, despite floods and pandemic, the group is going strong and continues to meet each month for a gentle walk around the green spaces of Ross.

The group is led by Pete, Sam and Eli who are all passionate about how being outside supports their mental wellbeing and provides a friendly space in which anyone affected by mental health issues can have a chat with others who understand what it’s like. Group leader Sam said: “We knew there was a national network of these groups and as we live somewhere so lovely, but also knowing that mental health issues aren’t always easy to talk about, we really wanted to see if this could take off in Ross-on-Wye. We love meeting and chatting with local people who come along to take part in these walks.”

The group has included partners, children and dogs. Group member Christine said: “The normality of the group helped get rid of the label of being a mental health patient. I’m treated as me, not my diagnosis.”

The group meets for a walk on the second Sunday of each month, and details can be found on Instagram @MHMRoss_on_Wye or by emailing mentalhealthmatesrossonwye@gmail.com

Pictured below are walk leaders, Sam and Pete.