Group Leaders

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"Hi, my name is Ann and I am a Mum and Nurse living in Stockton. I first became aware of Red Balloons after a friend shared a post on Facebook about donating running clothing to the charity. I collected together some of mine and of friends and took it to the office in Ragworth where I met Leigh. I initially started walking with Leigh and a group at Preston Park and then offered to participate as a walk leader. My plan was also to help support a run and rant group but the Coronavirus pandemic means that has been put on hold for now, hopefully will be able to do this in the future. 

My interest in Mental Health stems from my own experiences as I suffered from anxiety and depression due to work related stress in my late 20;’s and early 30’s which led to a desire to learn more about mental health, self -esteem and counselling issues. 

I am a passionate mental health advocate and believe that although there are many ‘self -help’ resources out there that we all need human contact and help at times. Reaching out for help can be the first but hardest step for anyone and I like to think that I can help take that first step. 

Running and walking have helped me on my mental health journey and that is why I am so keen to be involved in the Red Balloons family and to help others on that journey."

“Hi, I’m Debbi.

I’m a mum of 4, Grandma to 4 and Carer for my mum.

Always the strong, resilient one, it took me a while to admit that I was depressed and that my Mental Health had taken a beating and wasn’t as strong as it once had been.

Taking those first steps to reach out to my GP, and finding the courage to speak to my employer, family and friends, were the hardest I had ever encountered….but, were also the first step towards healing, getting better and learning to look after me.

I first came across Red Balloons after joining Claire’s Run and Rant group, recommended by Leigh, back in 2019.  When 1-2-1s were offered at the start of the pandemic, I started walking with Leigh every Sunday on a Walk and Talk.

Then, during the pandemic, I decided to share some of my Mental Health journey, thoughts and feelings, on a few Facebook Lives.  Following these, I had a few people reach out to me, I started walking a few times a week with different people that were struggling with their Mental Health too.

I didn’t really think about volunteering, it just seemed the most natural thing in the world to do.  People had been there for me, to walk with, to talk with, and I was paying that forward.

So becoming a Red Balloons Volunteer, just sort of happened to me…..but I love it.  I love the people I volunteer with.  I love meeting new people every week.  I love how the organisation is growing and reaching more people week after week.  I love being a small part of it.  I’m excited to see where this journey with Red Balloons takes us and how many we can take with us.  Up, up and away.”

"My name is Becky I went on my first walk and talk at Preston Park with Leigh well over a year ago and have always shown an interest in wanting to volunteer for Red Balloons.  I had my daughter and suffered with post natal depression many years ago and I still suffer with my mental health and anxiety.  I am very excited to see what the future holds being a volunteer for Red Balloons and hopefully soon I will be able to set up a walk and talk in Thornaby."

"Hello my name is Dizzy, I am a student in my second year studying Psychology with clinical skills at Teesside University.  I love the outdoors and exercising, it’s where I feel most comfortable and I love the challanges involved. Walking, climbing and trail running is what I love participating in. I have completed numerous personal challenges including..... 6 half marathons , 4 marathons and an ultra marathon. I am a firm believer that exercise plays a huge part in improving mental health and it certainly has helped me dealing with mental health issues. I want to be supportive, help others who are going through difficult times and help provide a positive experience for others who may be struggling at this time in their life. I have had some really difficult periods in my life where I have also struggled with mental health but with the help support and guidance provided by friends, family and support groups I am now dealing with issues a lot better. I’ve been diagnosed with EUPD and am waiting an assessment for ASD , I have also have struggles with alcoholism.  I'm excited to be a part of Red Balloons and grateful at being given the chance to act as a support to others in the area in the pursuit of recovery and stability."

" Hi my name is Sarah, live in Norton and I'm a mum to two daughters.   I first became involved with Red Balloons in Jan 21 having read their page on Facebook. I started walk and talks with Claire and then later with other volunteers progressing to group walks. At that time I felt so much better both physically and mentally for being outside and being able to chat with someone.   I have personal experience of mental health including post natal depression after both daughters. Also, my mental health is still affected by low self esteem, anxiety and PMDD. I do feel empathy with people who find themselves in difficult, abusive relationships having been in that situation twice.   I enjoy helping people with their mental health issues and know I'm a good listener. I realise the importance of being able to reach out and have someone to talk to and this is also helped by having a walk in the fresh air. It can help just by being in a different environment with others.   Everyone at Red Balloons is very friendly and supportive and I'm so pleased to be a volunteer. I've made some great friends. It's encouraging to see Red Balloons going from strength to strength "

"Hi there, name is John, I’m 31 and I’m originally from Edinburgh. I recently moved to Darlington with my girlfriend after a strange year in lockdown limbo at her family’s house in East Yorkshire. 

I have regularly experienced depression and anxiety throughout my adult life. I struggle with low self esteem, which rears its ugly head from time to time, leading to negative, self-critical thoughts that can spiral quickly downwards and before I know it I’m in the depths of depression again. 

Learning to talk about mental health has been hugely important for me, though I admit I find it much easier to reflect on my experiences afterwards than to be open about them while they’re happening. I’ve also found exercise really helpful in managing my day-to-day mental health - especially walking, running and cycling. 

I saw a post about Red Balloons on a Darlington Facebook group and was immediately drawn to the organisation. It’s such a simple concept, bringing people together to walk and talk - but it combines so many important elements of good mental health - fresh air, exercise, opening up and sharing, social connection, and a sense of community. 

I’m really chuffed to be involved with Red Balloons, hopefully starting a new walk soon which will give more opportunities for people to come along for a chat. I look forward to meeting you!"

"Hi, I’m Gail and I live in Eaglescliffe. I’m an accountant, wife and mum to 2 grown up daughters who have both recently flown the nest. I first became aware of Red Balloons after seeing a post on Facebook and once I’d read about sessions including physical activity and chatting, I knew I had to be involved.

I have suffered from health anxiety and phobias on and off since being a child but after contracting Covid my anxiety has escalated.

Being a keen runner and walker, I know just how much being outdoors and exercising helps me. I find even when I don’t want to go out, I can guarantee that after a walk or a run I always feel so much more positive and better.

I am really excited to be part of Red Balloons and I look forward to meeting you."