“I am a frontline police officer, responding to emergencies every day at work. I have seen some truly horrific things in my job, and they have taken their toll. One particular incident, coupled with a sudden family bereavement a few weeks later, sent my mental health into freefall and I ended up being diagnosed with anxiety and severe depression. I had withdrawn from everyone and everything that I loved and I couldn’t see a way forward. In 2019, a friend suggested that I join Black Dog Outdoors on a hike up Skiddaw in the Lake District. I was anxious about going as I am not great with crowds of people I don’t know, but I drove up there and met the group. They were fantastic and so welcoming and understanding. I set off on the hike with them but not far up the mountain I was struggling physically and mentally and my anxiety got the better of me. I quit and one of the group leaders helped me back down the mountain. I was gutted I hadn’t summitted, but Blackdog Outdoors had been fantastic and I was determined to join them again. Later in the year, I joined them on a couple more hikes, and managed to complete them with the help of the group leaders and other attendees. I’ve taken away a huge sense of achievement from the walks I’ve done with Blackdog Outdoors, and I have nothing but praise for the Blackdog Outdoors team. They have helped me overcome so much and I have found friends for life. They are patient and understanding, and always checked everyone was OK. They never left anyone behind and made sure that we all felt part of the team. I would definitely recommend them to anyone wanting to get into the outdoors to help improve their mental health.”
