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.”

" 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, I'm Debbie.  I'm a retired nurse, married to Ged with 2 grown up children.  I have lived experience of several issues which affect mental health and find it rewarding to help others and try to improve their day.  Mental wellbeing is such a huge issue in our country right now. I believe in being kind and that its so important for everyone to have opportunities to talk. Talking therapy while walking ticks 2 boxes for wellbeing.

 Hi I’m Craig, a Sales Manager overseeing the North of England for a food manufacturing company based in Darlington. Outside of work, I enjoy immersing myself in music and love a good movie! but most of all, I cherish spending quality time with my wife and son. My motivation to volunteer with this mental health charity stems from a personal experience during the COVID-19 lockdown. The loss of my best friend to suicide deeply impacted me and our close-knit group of friends. We believed he was coping, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and support. I'm inspired by the charity's focus on fostering connections through activities like walks and meetups, which combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. Half the battle in my opinion is getting out of the world even if it’s just a couple of hours a week can work wonders! I'm committed to contributing to this cause and helping others in their mental health journey in any way I can. 

 "Hi, I'm Stu I'm an ex-prison officer of 10 years and am currently employed as an adult support worker in the community. I have experience in working with complex mental health issues, personality disorders, autism and learning disabilities. Meet Cooper, my sidekick and companion. He attends the walks and loves meeting new people, and he has been welcomed with open arms amongst the group. Please don't let this put you off. You are anxious around dogs. A quiet word in my ear, and I'll hold back on a walk to put people at ease. I have a very open approach to mental health and the difficulties people can face when approaching this subject. We all lead busy lives, but everyone is entitled to time out to focus on and aid their own recovery during difficult times. Nobody is judged or labelled, and mental health is nothing to be ashamed of! I used the services provided by Red Balloons and recall my first walk and talk, the unknown. I was greeted by Sarah and Hazel and instantly made me feel welcome. Red Balloons positively contributed to the recovery in my own mental health, so for me, I simply wanted to give something back. If I am able to have a positive impact towards the recovery of just one person's life, then I have made a difference. I tend to lead the walks at Ropner and Preston Park in Stockton. Cooper and I find the walk and talk groups very welcoming, and we look forward to meeting you.."