Posted on Friday 2nd February 2024
Mindful Mondays Group
Two long-lost friends have been reunited after joining an Active Travel scheme at Staffordshire County Council.
George Kempson, 46, from Newcastle-under-Lyme joined the INTO Newcastle scheme after being referred by his doctor to help boost his mental health and wellbeing.
Living with autism and suffering from a spine injury, George was spending a lot of time in his room, feeling isolated and demotivated.
The INTO Newcastle scheme encourages people living in Newcastle-under-Lyme to explore the outdoors through walking and cycling to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
George joined the scheme this autumn, having weekly one-to-one walking sessions with INTO trainer, Joe Matthews, and then progressed onto group walking sessions to help him meet new people.
At his first ‘Mindful Mondays’ walking session at Lyme Valley, George spotted a familiar face and was pleased to reunite with his old friend and colleague, Philip.
George and Philip worked together at Silverdale Library, five years ago and lost touch. Having a familiar face to see each week has helped both George and Philip to feel more comfortable joining the group walks.
George said:
“I really look forward to the walks with INTO every week. It feels good to get out and about in the fresh air rather than being stuck in the house, it’s done wonders for my mental health.
“I started off having one-to-one sessions with Joe and he really helped me build my confidence to then join the group walks and meet new people.
“On my first group session, I was surprised to see Philip after all this time. It’s been great to catch up with him and it’s so good to see him every week. It’s true what they say, it’s a small world and I’m so glad the walks have led me to reconnect with a good old friend of mine – you really don’t know what’s around the corner and I’m so much happier since joining the scheme.”
Philip Leonard, 57, from Westlands, in Newcastle-under-Lyme said:
“I found out about INTO through my care coordinator who put me in touch with Joe to help improve my mental health through 1-2-1 walking sessions.
“It wasn't long before I also joined the ‘Mindful Monday’ group walks, and I was so happy to see a familiar face. Five years have passed and it’s so nice to catch up with George as well as making new friends as the weeks go on.
“I really enjoy the walks and I’d encourage anyone to join them. We always grab a good old brew after – a top way to round off the walk.”
Councillor David Williams, cabinet member for highways and transport at Staffordshire County Council said:
“It’s fantastic to see our INTO scheme making such a positive impact on people’s mental and physical health, as well as reuniting old friends.
“Our participant numbers continue to increase each week and the team are always adapting the programme to benefit residents across the borough.
“I would like to pass on my thanks to the INTO team for all their hard efforts to increase active travel and support the community.”
People can find out more about the INTO Newcastle scheme and book a place on the free sessions on the website.
People can hear more from George on our YouTube channel