S1 Ep6: Finding Our Way with Stu Skinner – Deserts, jungles and mental health training

Finding Our Way - Diverse Outdoor Voices

In this one we explore the stigma of mental illness, what exactly Mental Health First Aid is, and the importance of expedition leaders who can support mental health as well as deal with broken legs and snake bites. Stu Skinner is an experienced expedition leader, mental health first aid provider and the founder of the charity Changing Horizons. He wants us to normalise conversations about mental health, break the taboo of suicide and is passionate about the mental health benefits of outdoor activity.

Content information: In our conversation, Stu talks about experiencing mental health challenges including suicidal thoughts and attempting suicide. He also explains he lost a friend to suicide. There are no details about the events. Stu also talks about recovery, hope and the importance of talking to each other and breaking down stigma.

Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast

Find Stu on Instagram @OfTalesOnTrails and his charity at www.ChangingHorizons.org

If you need to talk to someone, call Samaritans on 116 123 for free, at any time. You can also find help at www.samaritans.org

For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

https://www.mind.org.uk

For further information about Mountain Training’s courses including Hill & Mountain Skills and the Mountain Leader qualification, please visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/. For information on funding available to support course attendance visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/help/resources/bursaries-for-our-qualifications.

Finding Our Way is sponsored by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch.

Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @teamBMC on instagram and twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.