Sep 2012 Speaker - Stuart Jessop, Fund raising walk

Stuart has just completed a 2,600 mile walk around the whole edge of England raising much needed funds for SANE and Anxiety UK, for  mental health awareness.

The walk began October 2011 and continued until June 2012 with his successful arrival in London.  Springer spaniel Poppy was his constant companion and Stuart was joined at intervals along the way by his wife, Kate Atkin. At one point even the BBC's Clare Balding joined him for an interview!  Kate joined him for our meeting.

Stuart's illustrated talk covered the highs and lows of his walk as well as issues surrounding mental health, particularly relating to the workplace. 

This was an opportunity to hear at first hand how one man and his dog tackled a difficult physical and mental challenge. It was also an accessible and informative way to learn more about issues surrounding mental health.  One in four of us likely to be affected at one point in our lives with mental health issues, with depression topping the list. 

With the current economic situation putting extra pressure on businesses, employers and employees alike, can we afford to not having a better understanding of the issues involved?

Stuart speaks from experience, having experienced depression since his teenage years, although this was only diagnosed in his thirties.

This illustrated talk on an inspiring 2,600 mile walk around England has helped us learn more about an issue that will affect 1 in 4 of us during our lives, so that we as individuals and businesses are better prepared!

For more details about Stuart and the walk  see www.walkingontheedge.org.uk