Meet The Team

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Walk Leader - Teesside

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.

Walk Leader - Teesside

Hi, I’m Helen. I’m a Mother, a Grandmother and a student. I have a passionate interest in mental health and I’m studying to be a counsellor. I have personally experienced ill mental health and have suffered anxiety, panic attacks and depression in the past.

I love the outdoors and recently started running. Through running, I met a fellow volunteer who introduced me to Red Balloons during our Saturday morning parkruns. I was extremely interested in the charity and excited at the thought of becoming a volunteer myself and making a difference. I met up with Leigh at Preston Park one Sunday afternoon and joined the group walk. I knew right there that this was absolutely what I wanted to do and where I wanted to give my time to helping others.

Walk Leader - Teesside

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.

Walk Leader - Teesside

I’m Sue Meek (73) I moved to Eaglescliffe from Manchester two years ago to be near my brother. I was originally from Darlington but lived in Manchester for 35 years. I have a son 35 and when he went off to uni my husband and myself went our own ways. I hadn’t intended coming back to the north east, however house prices were so expensive and I couldn’t stay in marital home ( high maintenance ) I was in rented for 10 years and then my brother persuaded to move back north where I could buy a property.  I moved right in the middle of covid and wondered what the heck have I done. Family stayed away because of covid and I just got very down and contacted doctor and they put me in touch with MIND which then lead to Red Balloons and the rest is history. I intend to get involved with the rambling side of Red Balloons also walk and talk with Yarm Wellness when it’s gets up and running. I do travel about quite a lot looking after peoples pets in their homes usually in the Manchester area which takes up quite a bit of my time. I also cycle, play badminton and table tennis as well as walking quite a bit (will this do)

Walk Leader - Teesside

Hi I’m Steven from Teesside. I've suffered with my mental health for many years, suffering with depression and anxiety. This became worse during the pandemic; having been isolated from others, it took me a while to get my confidence back.

I have done many courses with Mind to try and help improve my mental health. I was introduced to Red Balloons by a member of staff from Mind. It started with a phone call from Leigh from Red Balloons then went on to 1-1 walks with Lou. I found this very helpful and this helped massively to build my confidence. She encouraged me to get out more and face my fears. I couldn’t have done this without Red Balloons to who I would like to thank so much. I have been engaging with Red Balloons for almost two years and I am now a volunteer helping others doing 1-1 walk and talk sessions. I'm a walk leader for a group on a Friday at Stewart Park which I really enjoy. I find this so rewarding to help others and see how people improve over time.

I’m a passionate teacher dedicated to helping people become the best version of themselves. I love guiding individuals toward reaching their goals and aspirations, and I firmly believe that mental health is a superpower. Despite any challenges, with the right support and resilience, everyone can achieve their dreams. My mission is to empower others to overcome obstacles, embrace their strengths, and unlock their full potential.

Hi, my name is Stuart Graham. I have 2 daughters and 6 grandchildren. Despite being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder around 30 years ago, I have led a full and active life.

I love getting alongside people, helping them get through difficult times in their lives.

I think mental health can be managed best by getting the best people around you and Red Balloons have some of the best walk and talkers on Teesside!

My name is Graeme and I'm from Teeside.

I began my Red Balloons journey towards the end of 2023, at Stockton Sparkles. It was there that I first met Mandy and Sarah, who told me all about Red Balloons.

I started attending the Walk and talks shortly afterwards.
It was on one of those particular walks that I found out about the Ramblers Walking Group.
I knew immediately that this was a group that I wanted to be more involved with.

So after attending a number of the Ramblers walks over the course of 2024, which culminated in the Residential Weekend in Swaledale, I decided that I would like to become a walk leader for the Ramblers Walking group.

I was about to start my journey as a Red Balloons volunteer when fate intervened, as I broke my leg while out hiking.
I’m now in recovery and looking forward to getting back out on the trail/footpath with the group.

I’ve struggled for a long time with poor mental health mainly depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but also anxiety and panic attacks.
I am also convinced that I have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (ADHD) although I don’t currently have a diagnosis.

Being involved with Red Balloons  has helped me so very much, over the past 18 months.
I would like to help others who may be struggling with poor mental health.

Likes: Long walks in nature, observing the night sky, being close to the ocean/sea, thunder and lightning, genuine people, dogs, the natural world.

Dislikes: Antisocial behaviour, rude people, loud people, people using mobile phones on public transport without headphones.

Volunteer - Teesside

Hello. I started my Red Balloons journey over a year ago, after dealing with post natal depression and anxiety. My first walks were with Leigh at Preston Park. I went on to be involved in some amazing walks with Red Balloons, meeting some lovely people and having great chats. I have recently been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome so keeping myself fit and healthy is very important for my physical and mental health. I’m excited to be involved in Red Balloons walks.