Meet the dynamic duo championing male mental health
15 Jun 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
This week (12th - 18th June) marks Men’s Health Week, an important opportunity to raise awareness of the physical and mental health issues that affect men.
The founders of two North East community groups, Homos That Hike, a community of LGBTQ+ hikers, and WoeMan, an outdoors community, have joined forces to encourage men to explore the physical and mental benefits of being outdoors.
Neil Bestford, the 43-year-old co-founder of Homos That Hike, is Group Head of Employer Brand at Byggfakta Group. A strong mental health advocate, Neil created the hiking group with his fellow co-founders, Matt Branley and Andrew McMinn, after he experienced crippling isolation during lockdown.
Since the first group hike to Northumberland’s Linhope Spout, Homos That Hike has grown into a supportive community which, in collaboration with WoeMan, organises regular monthly hikes across Northumberland and the North East.
Neil said: “My personal journey with mental health started in 2008 when I experienced debilitating burnout, and was signed off work for three months due to stress. “It took several years for me to rebuild myself, but I found my life’s passion in helping to prevent others from going through what I experienced - both in and out of the workplace.
“Then during lockdown it made sense to put my years of experience - both the highs and lows - to good use, to create a safe and supportive environment to encourage conversation around men’s mental health by getting outdoors.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have Northumberland right on our doorstep. I feel so privileged to be able to hike with others in the Northumberland National Park, Holywell Dene or Simonside. The fresh air and beautiful scenery can really help boost your mood. Going out as a group also encourages people to open up about how they feel, learn from others and hike further than they thought they could.”
Alex Wright, the 31-year-old founder of WoeMan, is a North East photographer and videographer. Following his own personal journey, Alex understood the need for action around mental health and created the WoeMan community to encourage and support others to find strength in vulnerability and honest conversation.
Alex explains: “Through the videos I created whilst studying at university, I explored masculinity, mental health and the personal stories of people from all backgrounds. It helped me to look inward and reflect on my own thoughts and feelings. That’s when I knew I wanted to create a safe space where people could talk about their own mental health, to feel heard and supported.
"I’ve always loved running. Often running is mind over matter and I find when I go out and push myself, it helps me feel stronger and more resilient. There’s no expectation for people to open up during our weekly runs, but we are there if you need support. There’s nothing better than a run through Northumberland’s stunning landscape and that sense of achievement you feel at the end.”
Homos That Hike and WoeMan are part of the County Council’s ‘The Big Northumberland Gear Change’, a campaign that encourages residents to leave their cars at home and explore the local area, on foot or by bike, as often as possible.
Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Local Services said: “As we mark Men's Health Week, incredible communities like Homos That Hike and WoeMan show the impact that walking, running or hiking can have on your overall fitness and wellbeing.
“Northumberland has a fantastic array of walking paths that people of all abilities can enjoy straight from their doorstep. There are also countless cycle routes if you prefer to explore the county on two wheels.
“Big Northumberland Gear Change is all about small changes that may become more long-lasting such as walking or cycling to your local shop rather than taking the car. These changes can make a massive difference, both to your health and that of the environment.”
Rachael Bateman, principle transport officer at Northumberland County Council explained: “These groups reflect that this campaign isn’t about running a marathon or signing up to a competitive sport. Rather, it’s about the small changes we can all make in our day-to-day lives to support our wellbeing and that of the environment.
“Homos That Hike and WoeMan are great examples of how we can all reap the benefits of travelling sustainably and getting outdoors - whether that’s a leisurely hike with friends and family, or challenging yourself to a run. Hopefully the residents of Northumberland will be inspired to walk, run or hike rather than drive once in a while.”