Hiking initiative to aid mental health

By Stuart Tynan

A pair of students have set up a novel initiative in a bid to help individuals improve their mental health.

'Head Up', set up by social care students Brian Cawley and Lara Coutlee as part of their course work in NUIG, aims to improve and foster positive mental health through hiking excursions around Mayo.

The service is aimed at individuals that may be struggling with mental health difficulties but are uncomfortable approaching more clinical services, as well as to people who would just like to improve their mental health by meeting new people and exploring hiking trails around Mayo.

“In light of Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions, mental health is at an all-time low,” said Brian, a native of Castlebar. “Getting outdoors and active is a well-worn solution, however, with 'Head Up', we aim to take this a little further by engaging in a more challenging and rewarding outdoor experience. We are very fortunate in Mayo to have some fantastic countryside to explore on our doorstep.

“Some people have never been up Nephin or seen the sea cliffs in Achill and they always get a great benefit from it so we saw the opportunity arose.”

With county-wide travel now possible due to a relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, the pair are almost ready to go, and hope to begin at the start of May.

“It's stretched out and awaiting on restrictions. It's a service that is needed now more than ever.

“We have had a lot of interest but we don't want it pushed on and on.”

On the initiative, Brian elaborated: “We modelled it on the Men's Shed. You're getting the benefit on going out and meeting people. If you need more help, we have wrap-around services to assist like Mayo Mental Health.”

Anyone interested can email headuphiking@gmail.com.