Leigh

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"My name is Leigh and I’m a Mum and Nana from Stockton. I started running with

Claire’s Run and Rant Group in Stockton in November 2018 and was then asked to

become more involved with the organisation and to become a Trustee.

I’ve spent around 20 years working with people with Mental Health issues in different

Sectors including Welfare to Work, Occupational Health and with TEWV NHS Trust.

I have personal experience of ill mental health – through Post-Natal Depression after

my daughter was born and another period of anxiety and  depression around 20

years ago. I kept myself well for the last 20 years through self-care and exercise. I

also have experience as a Carer.  I’m passionate about wellbeing and using exercise

to  feel  better.  I’m   also   passionate   about   the   fact  that   people  with  mental   health

issues should never face any stigma in any shape or form and that people should

always know they have someone to turn to who won’t judge, they’ll just care.

In March 2020 we were awarded funding by the National Lottery Community Fund

for   our   Community   Wellbeing   Ambassadors   Project.   I’m   now   employed   by   the

Organisation as CEO to run the Project and recruit, train and support Volunteers, create new Projects and source and apply for other funding streams.   I feel incredibly lucky to be in this role and fully intend to do my best to support the growth of Red Balloons and ensure the Organisation goes from strength to strength."

#trustee #TeamWork #mental #physical #wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #BeInspired