Edge Hill University to host nature walk to raise awareness of mental health

Edge Hill University is inviting staff, students, alumni and the local community to a special nature walk featuring Mike Palmer of Three Dads Walking.

The walk aims to highlight the vital role nature plays in supporting everyone’s wellbeing, not just young people. The event will

take place on Monday 10 November, at 12pm on the University’s award-winning Ormskirk campus.

The event will feature Mike Palmer from Three Dads Walking, a group formed by Palmer, Tim Owen and Andy Airey after they tragically lost their daughters to suicide. The Dads have united to raise awareness about young suicide and mental health, and to support the charity PAPYRUS, Prevention of Young Suicide.

Mike said of the walk:

“Walking and talking go together. The value of getting into the great outdoors should never be underestimated, and to encourage young people into open and supportive conversations will help create positive behaviours that will last a lifetime.

“The ‘Dose of Nature Walk’ will provide the Edge Hill community with smiles, laughter and friendship, all the main ingredients of good mental health and wellbeing. Wrap up warm and come along. You will be made very welcome.”

Drawing on the work of Professor Michelle Howarth, the walk highlights nature-based, person-centred approaches to health. Professor Howarth’s research, ‘Time for a Natural Health Service,’ explores the benefit of integrating nature into traditional medical care to boost mental health and overall wellbeing.

Michelle said:

“This is our third Dose of Nature Walk, and I am delighted that Mike Palmer, one of the inspirational Three Dads Walking, will be joining us, Mike’s powerful advocacy for suicide prevention and mental health awareness has touched so many lives.

“Mike, along with Tim Owen and Andy Airey, founded the group after the heart-breaking loss of their daughters to suicide. Their work with PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide continues to make a profound impact.

“Mike’s visit offers us a meaningful opportunity to reflect on student wellbeing, and to celebrate the role that nature and our beautiful campus can play in supporting mental health. We’re also pleased to share that Jaqueline Leigh, Interim Associate Dean for Student Experience, will be joining the walk to highlight the importance of mental health in young people and the impact that nature can have on wellbeing.

“The walk provides a chance to come together, connect, and support an important cause in a relaxed and welcoming setting.”

The community walk is scheduled to begin at 12pm from The Sport Centre at Edge Hill’s Ormskirk campus and will be opened by Jacqueline Leigh. She will be followed by Mike Palmer of Three Dads Walking, who plans to highlight the importance of student mental health and the supportive role that nature, and a campus like Edge Hill’s, can play in overall wellbeing.

Edge Hill honorary doctor and former professional footballer Chris Kirkland who is a big mental health advocate will be in attendance. The Walk is attracting wide community support, with groups including Wirral Woman’s Warriors and Wirral Forrest and other local organisations participating.

Following the speeches, the 45-minute stroll will commence. Led by Edge Hill staff, the walk will follow a section of the campus Trim Trail before concluding at the newly refurbished Edge Hill Students’ Union.

This marks the third nature walk organised by the University, building on the success of an earlier event this year which saw over 90 staff, students and community members attend.

Whether you are a regular walker or simply curious, this is a chance to come together, connect and support an important cause. No need to book, just turn up. Monday 10 November, 12pm outside Edge Hill Sports Centre.

Find out more about Three Dads Walking here.