Inverness charity leading walks for mental health gets ready to restart after coronavirus crisis
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
With lockdown restrictions being eased, the organiser of a walking group aiming to provide a mental health boost is hoping people will return as it relaunches.
Clarity Walk was founded by Matt Wallace and aims to improve mental health via gentle physical exercise by giving people a chance to talk and enjoy nature.
“Clarity Walk started as a simple idea using what helped me recover from depression,” he said.
“For me it meant getting off my phone, walking in nature and connecting with others.”
More than 1000 people had taken part, with walks being held up to five times a week.
But coronavirus put an end to the gatherings – and has also now hit the programme financially.
“Overnight £1200 per month was gone,” Mr Wallace said.
“Sponsors vanished, contracts vanished, donations dwindled and funding was nowhere to be seen.”
As a result, the group has decided to charge a membership fee for the first time.
Those referred to the group by a healthcare professional will still be able to attend for free for up to three months, but others are being asked to pay £7 a month – with £2 of that going to a charity to be voted on by members.
“I hope the walks will continue, and that we can help more people by asking for a small fee towards our groups and online material,” Mr Wallace said.
For more details go to www.claritywalk.net/optin
