Helping others to help yourself. Easing Mental Health.

Tim Young

My name is Tim I am 61 married to Wendy for 41 years. With have three children. I am a Wellbeing Walk Leader at Attenborough Nature Centre. I am an Artist and Writer and love Photography. I am currently studying Creative Writing.

Photo © Tim Young

Tim Young talks about how leading Wellbeing Walks at Attenborough has helped with his mental health struggles

I'm a Wellbeing Walk Leader at Attenborough Nature Reserve. It's a volunteer role. I'm very new to it. I volunteer as much for me as for the people I walk and talk with.

Getting out in nature does you good - I don't think many people would disagree.

Sometimes I arrive for the wellbeing walk and wonder why I am there. I drive for 30 minutes or so to be with strangers. I'm out of the comfort of my own home.

A view across the water at Attenborough Nature Reserve

My mind says things to me like, "this walk is going to make you tired" (I have chronic fatigue syndrome).

"What if nobody turns up? It will all have been a waste." Negative thoughts are never very far away. I have a greater tolerance for others than I do for myself.

And then I think, wait a minute - you are here, you have made a conscious decision not to be at home, you have put your issues to one side and are doing this for others as well as yourself.

I find that during the walk I have no time for my negative thoughts as I am talking to people who are like me. People who have their own issues and who have put them to one side to walk and chat with others.

During the walk we sometimes stop and look at birds. They are a marvel. Britain's favourite bird is the Robin - its wingspan is 20-22cm and it weighs around 80 grams. Their song is beautiful. I find myself smiling and can feel joy rising in me, further pushing 'me' and my problems away into the background. During my time in nature, I am in control of my thoughts. When my negative thoughts are pushed away, I am not denying them - I am aware they are still there. It's just that I am learning to deal with them on my terms and not be overwhelmed by them.

I know that my participation as a Wellbeing Walk Leader will help others feel the same way about their own issues.

Orange butterfly with black and white circles sits on a branch

Volunteering at Attenborough Nature Reserve is doing me good. I am out of the house, I have the sun shining on my skin, I'm feeling the wind against my face. I see birds in all shapes and sizes; I listen to their amazing calls.

I am among trees and can hear the leaves rustling in the wind. People who are out walking more often than not say hello and smile at me and me at them.

I have never once, when driving home after a wellbeing walk, regretted going and taking part.

My question to you is: will you come and join the wellbeing walks? They make such a difference. Come to Attenborough, to this small part of the world, which is better for wildlife and its human visitors, easing your mental health.