Samaritans :
THE LISTENING WALK
CHARITY
AFTER A DECADE OF WORKING FOR MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY ; THE SAMARITANS , DAVID MATHEWS VOWED TO RAISE AWARENESS , MUCH NEEDED FUNDS AND RECRUIT MORE VITAL VOLUNTEERS BY EMBARKING ON AN EPIC 6000 MILE LISTENING WALK , JOURNEYING TO EVERY SINGLE SAMARITANS BRANCH IN THE UNITED KINGDOM . WE CATCH UP WITH HIM AS HE PASSES THROUGH KENT AND THE 4000 MILE MARK ABOUT HIS CHARITY WORK , HIS MOTIVATIONS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN A POST PANDEMIC WORLD .
Tell us a little about the motivations behind your Listening Walk , as well as what you aim to achieve from it ?
I used to read about Samaritans doing great things to raise money , parachute jumps , long swims , ultramarathons , epic cycle rides ; none of which I fancied ! I decided instead to walk around my local branches in South Yorkshire , about 40 miles . After a few evenings ( and bottles of wine !) I ’ d mapped out all 201 branches around the UK and Ireland . 7 years later I decided if I didn ’ t start soon I ’ d be too old , so I started ! I ’ ve realised that the main thing I need to do , especially after two lockdowns , is to let people know we are here for them and that it ’ s ok to call the Samaritans and there ’ s someone there for them to listen to their problems .
You have been busy completing your Listening Walk since April 2019 , over 2 years later are you still as motivated as ever to complete your 6000 mile mission ?
I have to admit that the motivation disappeared after the second lockdown . I should have finished the walk in February this year and to restart at the end of March with 3000 miles to go was a real struggle . I thought about what I ’ d accomplished and how the walk could achieve so much more , so I gave myself a kick up the bum and restarted , and I ’ m so pleased I did !
Engaging in conversations about mental health is obviously very important to you , what are your thoughts on the increased need to do this in a post lockdown world ?
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of people suffering with poor mental health since the beginning of the walk , and I think there needs to be a massive rethink about how we support these people . Yes , get people back to work , students back to school , but let ’ s not assume that people are suddenly ‘ fine ’ again because there are tens of thousands who aren ’ t .
What advice do you have for anyone experiencing troubled mental health ?
Always know that you ’ re not alone . Talk to loved ones , sometimes people are surprised at how support suddenly appears when they reach out . For those who have no one or would rather have a confidential talk they can phone the Samaritans 24 / 7 , 365 days a year , for free on any mobile phone or landline . The number is 116 123 and it doesn ’ t show on your bill .
How can people follow along and get involved with your incredible journey ?
You can follow my journey online at my website www . thelisteningwalk . co . uk and through my social channels : Instagram @ thelisteningwalk ; Facebook : / over6000miles and Twitter @ WalkListening ; and you can click to donate if you are able .
www . samaritans . org
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