As a challenge to myself on becoming 60, I am going to walk the 84 mile Hadrians Wall path during the month of July. I will be walking it in memory of our son Stuart, on this the 5th anniversary of his passing. Stuart often led a troubled life in his latter years which often led to alcohol and drug misuse. This is a problem in itself but for many this is a result of other issues in their lives which others aren't always aware of. So during my challenge I hope to raise some money to help support the work of the Heart Wood charity.

Heart Wood is a free, nature based, mental health charity for men, based in hexham. It offers help to men with complex and enduring mental health and who are often unable to engage with other provision.

Every 2 hours a man takes his own life in England, and the North East has the highest rates in the country with 75% of them being men. The person centred therapeutic approach offered with the sessions at Heart Wood offers an alternative to many other existing mental health services, which can reach out to some of the most isolated and hard to reach people. The sessions offer outdoor, woodland based group counselling, including setting up the site, preparing and lighting the fire, undertaking woodland management and learning bushcraft skills, being part of a group, and making and eating group meals.

This has had a profound impact on many of its participants, with them seeing great improvements in their mental health and overall wellbeing, and ultimately feeling less likely to take their own lives.

For more information please contact Heart Wood on 07940 853123 / chip@heartwoodcharity.org

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