Table of Contents
A group of care leavers from the Wirral have come together to improve their mental health by creating a walking group. The group has also gathered to raise money for charity in support of others like them.
As reported by Birkenhead News, the Care Explorers group, formed over six months ago, meets once a month on a Sunday to have a wholesome day. They explore local walking routes, make friends, all to combat loneliness. After a long walk, they often grab a roast dinner after working up an appetite for friendship and food.
The group often ventures out of the Wirral for their walks. They recently visited Aber Falls in North Wales – a new experience for some members. The waterfall is described as "dramatic". The group is not the only one to organise mental health walks across the Wirral. Ramblers organise frequent mental health walks at Birkenhead Park, and the Wirral Wise Guys organise frequent "walk and talks" around the Wirral to support men with their mental health.
Before walking the Wirral Coastal Walk in June, the group wanted to raise money for charity. After member Reece was diagnosed with epilepsy, they chose to support the Epilepsy Society, aiming to both raise funds and promote awareness of the condition. So far, the group has raised £400, exceeding their initial target, with donations continuing to grow.
Kerry Bull, Operational Lead for Leaving Care at Wirral Council, said the idea of getting out for a walk and into nature was suggested by one of the young people.
She said: "Some of our care leavers can feel isolated and have poor mental health. The walking group is about community and a place to feel connected, do a bit of grounding, offer peer support and see new places, which has seen improving mental health outcomes."
Kerry said the close-knit bond the group has formed led to them talking openly after Reece had a seizure in the Care Leavers Hub.
She said: "Reece is an infectious character, although he can try to mask his epilepsy as he finds it difficult to talk about. The group made him feel grounded and told him they wanted to help.
"It was really powerful when we discussed the Wirral Coastal Walk and raising money for charity. The group decided to raise the money for epilepsy, and it meant the world to Reece."
Kerry also added that when they did the walk, the young man "performed a rap" to the group about his feelings. He felt happy about their reaction, she said, and he set up a Just Giving page for his charity after
Kerry said she wasn't sure if setting up Care Explorers would last, as the interests of young people can change quickly, but the group has stuck with it and has used the walks for their benefit.
She added: "On some of the walks, we've had people from organisations such as mental health charities come along, talking about breathing and managing anxiety. It has been a great opportunity for them."
For anyone who doesn't know, Wirral Council acts as the corporate parent for any child that goes into care until the age of 25, bringing the same responsibilities any parent would expect. They're in charge of safety, listening, supporting health and helping with education and adult life preparation.
Kerry believes the group goes beyond those responsibilities. She said: "We are their corporate parents, but, from their experiences, that is usually 9 am-5 pm between Monday and Friday. Us coming in on a Sunday shows it's more than our job."
For more information on the Care Explorers' charity effort, click here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/kerry-bull-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=LFCFRUK_7DaysPostEvent
