Mental Health Mates Bristol, a supportive walk and talk group in Bristol, is celebrating its sixth anniversary with a milestone achievement of over 1,000 members. Established by Rachel Rayner in 2019, this group is part of the national Mental Health Mates organization, which was founded by journalist Bryony Gordon in 2016. The national initiative now boasts over 150 groups throughout the UK. The Bristol chapter has made significant strides in promoting mental well-being by hosting regular walks in and around the city, connecting participants with nature and fostering a sense of community.
The group’s anniversary walk is scheduled for Sunday at 14:00 GMT on the Downs. Typically, each walk attracts between 10 and 15 participants, who engage in open conversations about various personal and mental health issues. According to Rachel Rayner, Mental Health Mates Bristol distinguishes itself from other mental health groups by offering a familial atmosphere where individuals can discuss anything from feelings of isolation to their latest personal achievements.
"We've got students in the city who need to make new friends, we've got people living by themselves. We want people to connect with nature and with each other." – Rachel Rayner
Rayner highlights the importance of physical interaction, especially as many mental health groups continue to operate virtually via platforms like Zoom. She finds this transition back to in-person gatherings crucial for genuine connection and shared experiences.
"After Covid I feel everybody pulled back into themselves and back into their homes." – Rachel Rayner
"There's still a lot of mental health groups which are on Zoom, which I think is extraordinary. We're well past Covid, we need to get out and connecting." – Rachel Rayner
As the world emerges from the constraints of the pandemic, Mental Health Mates Bristol offers a refreshing alternative to virtual meetings. The group encourages members to share their experiences, whether they involve struggles with depression or personal hobbies like gardening and sewing.
"It's very different to other mental health groups because it's more of a community, more of a family. We get together, you can talk about anything whether you're suffering from depression or feeling isolated. Or if you've done some amazing sewing at home or you've grown something amazing in your garden. You can talk about anything. That's the brilliant thing about it." – Rachel Rayner
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