Leigh

---

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.  Claire and I then worked together with a small group of Volunteers to expand Red Balloons and in May 2021 we became a Registered Charity and secured our first lot of funding.  I’ve worked for the Charity since then, initially alone for a year, recruiting, training and supporting more volunteers and starting more walk and talk groups and other projects.  I’ve continued securing funding and now, in 2025, we’ve secured Core Funding for the next 3 years. 

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 have had other periods of depression/anxiety since then, along with other issues including agoraphobia.  I have lived experience of being a Carer and eventually gave up a job to care for my Mum who was really poorly and I’ve got life experience of losing close family and friends. 

I’ve always used exercise to improve my mood and find that if I’m struggling getting out in nature can really help.  I’m passionate about wellbeing and using exercise to feel better. 

I’m also passionate about the fact that people with poor mental health 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.  We wanted to make our services as accessible as possible and remove as many barriers to people accessing support. I’m incredibly proud that we offer most services without any kind of assessment so that people can access support when they need it.  I’m also proud of the fact that we offer services 7 days a week. 

Red Balloons have the best Team – trustees, staff and volunteers and we’re blessed with community members who support us as much as they’re able to.