A group of NHS workers from the Carleton Clinic in Carlisle and West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven are embarking on a journey to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise money for a mental health football team. The team, which is run by the Carlisle United Community Sports Trust, aims to walk 84 miles (135km) in three days to support this important initiative.
Hannah Lund, clinical manager at the Carleton Clinic, highlighted the importance of meaningful and welcoming activities like the football group for individuals who are unwell or on the road to recovery. She emphasized the benefits of physical activity for overall well-being, both physically and mentally, and the positive impact of social interactions on people’s well-being. The football group provides an opportunity for individuals to meet others who understand what they are going through and build connections within their local community.
Staff from six wards across the two hospitals and their supporting teams will be walking different sections of Hadrian’s Wall starting on 15th May. Aaron Vaughn, inpatient matron at the Carleton Clinic, expressed excitement about the opportunity for staff from various roles to come together to boost their well-being while supporting the football group. The football group is supported by the SHINE fund of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne, and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), and all money raised from the walk will be donated to the football group for the support it provides to individuals.