Mental Health Support Offered Through Christmas Day Trek

An organized Christmas Day trek seeks to provide assistance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges during the holiday period. David Glyn Jones, a resident of Bangor, Gwynedd, began hiking following the unexpected death of his mother in 2017, an event that led him to confront profound negative thoughts. He stated that outdoor activities were the sole method that aided him in processing his grief, describing mountains as “a place to grieve and forget the stress and worries in life”. Currently, Mr. Jones, in collaboration with fellow mountain guides throughout the UK, endeavors to encourage individuals to engage with nature and ensure no one is solitary on Christmas Day, through a planned walk in Eryri, also known as Snowdonia. Mr. Jones remarked, “It’s often a huge reminder of loved ones who will never sit around your table at Christmas again.” He further explained that since his mother, Beverly, passed away, Christmas “has never been the same,” noting that not everyone has the privilege of celebrating the festive season with family and friends. Mr. Jones, aged 34, disclosed that his mental well-being declined in the period following his mother’s passing, but he credits hiking with genuinely rescuing him from “his darkest times.” After initially ascending Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, in 2018 as a tribute to his mother, Mr. Jones has continued his hiking pursuits without interruption. Having become a qualified mountain leader, he organized the inaugural Christmas Day hike in 2023, which saw 36 participants join his ascent of Y Garn within Eryri National Park. For the current year, he anticipates a greater number of participants. As a single parent, Mr. Jones explained that his own holiday festivities typically occur on Boxing Day with his daughter, Annabella. The itinerary for this year involves an ascent of Elidir Fawr via the Marchlyn Mawr loop, and Mr. Jones stated that the event is “open to everyone who struggles at Christmas.” He further clarified, “It’s accessible to everyone, people of all ages can join but they must be at a reasonable fitness level to take part.” Mr. Jones’s endeavor will be supported by John Churchwood and Tom Goodwin, who assisted in organizing the 2023 excursion. Concurrently, in England, mountain guide Damon Cole is scheduled to lead a Christmas Day hike originating from the Peak District, while Steve Upton will conduct a similar event in the Lake District. Collectively, this group of mountain guides aims to ensure that no individual experiences Christmas in isolation. Individuals impacted by the subjects discussed in this article can access information about supportive organizations through the BBC Action Line. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Further information regarding our external linking policy is available.