'It's what is needed' - Walking therapy sessions hope to encourage mental health openness

Two South Tyneside therapists have unveiled a plan for a series of walks to help residents with their mental health.

Trained professionals Nichola Bourke and Stacey Marley, who both live in the borough, are looking to introduce walking therapy sessions to help people who may be struggling.

Used as an alternative to talking to a therapist in an office or specialist room, walking therapy allows the same conversations to take place within more open surroundings.

“It makes it easier for people to express their emotions because it’s more calming” explains Nichola.

“People can express emotions they may not be able to explore in an office because sometimes they can be quite intimidating.”

The pair, who work together monthly, took part in a walking therapy training course.

“South Shields could do with something like this. I know there’s walking groups but it’s not a therapy group.” adds the 52 year old.

“There’s a massive need in South Tyneside for help for people with mental health and to ease the burden on the NHS.”

While Nichola is from South Tyneside, she works with secondary school aged children in North Tyneside in addition to private work while Stacey works with younger children in addition to her own private work.

Sessions are yet to get underway, but it is hopes walks can begin in the coming weeks. Risk assessments will be undertaken soon while routes are considered.

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Nichola continues: “We want to be up and running in about three weeks. We’ve had a lot of interest.”

They are also looking for funding to support the pair with costs to run the sessions from community foundation pots belonging to major brands.

“Once things are underway I don’t just want to do walking therapy” she adds.

“I want to also do art therapy classes where people can come in a room and access their emotions through art.

“It’s not my intention to stop there. I want South Tyneside residents to be able to access services which can help anybody and everybody.”

Anyone interested in the sessions is encouraged to find and message Nichola and Stacey to get further information.

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