Below we have included some feedback from our friends that have joined us on these Walk & Talk experiences. They have been kind and brave enough to share these comments with us and are allowing us to also share them with all of you.
“The walk and talk monthly events are an opportunity for me, each time they are organised, to explore the outdoors in an atmosphere where we explore mental health without the stigma that is still so prevalent in Malta. Professionals from Richmond Foundation help people like me to engage and create a two way conversation. This encourages people to speak up and to feel more accepting of themselves and their condition/s. Rachael that leads the group, has had her own experiences and she shares them with us like as if we knew her for a long time. She does her utmost to normalise mental health and to remove the stigma around mental health.
The free refreshments after the walk are a bonus and the tasks planned from the organiser/s compliment such a nice walk and it gives attendees the opportunity to continue to discuss issues which they feel are relevant to them, surrounding the theme of mental health. We explore life’s beauty and how to lift ourselves up instead of putting ourselves down, that unfortunately happens too often,without knowing ourselves that we are harshly criticising ourselves.
I recommend these walks, I’ve attended twice and I will be going next time!”
“I’ve been suffering from depression for many years and have tried many cures.
For me, the most effective ways of dealing with my affliction are, getting out, exercising and meeting people.
The Walk and Talk group does just this. It’s been a great help to have something to look forward to, wake up for. I enjoy meeting in the fresh air, which I find helps my appetite and also helps me relax and forget about everyday problems.
Most of all however, is being able to talk to other people about what I’m going through, and finding out that I’m not the only one with problems. Especially without worrying about what they are thinking about me. Without being judged.
With the aid of the organisers and moderators we are encouraged to mingle and share our experiences. Refreshments are often provided to make the meet more sociable. Also, just discussing something as trivial as coffee, is an ice breaker in its self.
I trust these events continue, especially in these times, because it’s becoming very difficult to show my emotions, like I can there.
My only complaint is that I wish they could be held a bit more frequently.”
“I would like to thank you for the opportunity that you gave me. With your help I managed to meet with others from Walk and Talk over the holidays. It was the first time in my life that I have enjoyed this day, I have always spent Christmas and new year alone with deep thoughts of sadness.
Thanks and see you for the next walk and talk.”
“Walk and Talk has made more of a difference in my life than 4 years of therapy. It is a very different form of therapy that is bound to make people feel better in some way.”
“I’ve attended two events so far and I look forward to each one.
At first I was skeptical – why would I want to speak about my mental health issues with a bunch of strangers?
But there’s something about coming together with people who understand you and are supported while surrounded by beautiful landscapes – it creates more than a safe space, but a community of growth and support. As someone who was diagnosed with inattentive-type ADHD at the late age of 29, and who struggles with physical fitness, the walking aspect combined with socialising and learning is a great motivator and actually helps me be more focused and productive in day to day life.”
