Stamford teacher calls on people to join 24-hour walk for Don't Lose Hope to highlight men's mental health concerns
A teacher is inspiring people to tackle a 24-hour walk to help people with mental health problems.
Dominic Brister is an avid supporter of the Don’t Lose Hope counselling service which was set up in Bourne by his wife Nicola earlier this year.
To coincide with the centre’s first anniversary, Dominic will lead a 24-hour walk around the area in May.
He said: “The aim of the walk is to raise awareness of male mental health.
“Too many men are suffering in silence because it ‘isn’t the done thing’ for men to talk about their emotions or feelings. These times have to change.
“With 12 men a day committing suicide in the UK, and as percentage the rural areas are higher, we need to support everyone. These men have families, dependants and people who care but may not even know how they’re feeling.
“Hopefully by doing this walk and increasing awareness, it will give these guys the strength to call out for help.”
Walkers will set off from the Don’t Lose Hope café in Bourne on Friday, May 8 at 4pm and return 24 hours later. The plan is to walk continuously with only brief stops to refuel.
The route will go through Edenham, Swinstead, Swayfield, Skillington, Stole Rochford, Corby Glen, Irnham, Morton and Dyke.
More than 100 people have already signed up to take part in the walk and businesses have pledged their support with offers of equipment and venues for food and water stations.
Warners Midlands Plc, Chiltern Distribution and Yorkshire Bank have pledged financial support.
Anyone who can offer sponsorship or equipment can contact Dominic on dbrister@stamfordwellandacademy.org or visit the café in North Street, Bourne.
Details about the walk are also available on Don’t Lose Hope's Facebook page.
Dominic has also released an album to raise money for the charity. CDs are on sale in the café or can be downloaded at https://dombrister.bandcamp.com/releases
Read more news from the Rutland and Stamford Mercury.
