Local Vlogger Claire Sells, who regularly addresses life issues on her YouTube channel, Clara Sais, has organised a ‘Mental Health Mates Walk’ to take place in Newport on Sunday 6th May.
Claire’s struggle with Postnatal Depression and not being able to access the support that she needed to manage it has been a key part of her vlogging to date.
Recently, upon discovering that there was not a Mental Health Mates Walk on the Island, Claire decided to take matters in her own hands by organising her own.
Speaking about her experiences to date, Claire says:
“Sometimes, just having someone to talk too can help, and that’s what I am hoping the walk will help with. It doesn’t even have to be about mental health, it can be a general chat and the chance to meet other people as well as get some fresh air.
“When I had PND, at the time, I felt very isolated and alone. I was told by my local surgery practitioner that there just wasn’t the support available to me, and that there were more services on the mainland. I even sought help from MIND and PANDAS, but the former didn’t even have a branch on the Island. I just can’t believe that there was nothing for me”.
Since then, the WoW Centre and The Richmond Fellowship have become available, and Claire says that both have proved invaluable, providing a friendly place to chat and not feel judged.
The event will be held on Sunday 6th May at 14:00, meeting at Shide Car Park (opposite ATS), then walking to Blackwater. All are welcome.
For more information visit www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk or https://www.facebook.com/events/2032811650310847/.
