Town and Gown organise “walk and talk” to debate joint approach to tackling mental health

Vice-Chancellor Sir Anthony Seldon, Buckingham Mayor John Harvey and Buckinghamshire High Sheriff Peter Kara organised a “walk and talk” around Buckingham’s picturesque parks and open spaces to debate how the growing problem of mental health issues amongst the young can be tackled.

More than 50 local people, some representing local charities, braved the cold weather including Open University Vice-Chancellor Peter Horrocks, who has been behind a number of OU initiatives to tackle improving the well-being of the younger generation.

University of Buckingham psychology students organised a cake sale and raffle to raise awareness about MIND after the two-hour walk. The Open University laid on sandwiches at the end for hungry walkers.

Those present included former High Sheriffs Milly Soames and Carolyn Cumming. Jim Symington, National Advisor to the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (Royal College of Psychiatrists) spoke briefly about what needs to be done to help the young deal with mental health issues and highlighted the importance of early intervention.

Sir Anthony Seldon, who was the first to introduce well-being lessons in schools a decade ago, said: “A number of interesting ideas and suggestions came out of the walk. It was great to see so many people with a real passion for improving the mental health of our young people sharing ideas.” Buckingham Mayor Jon Harvey added: “”This was an inspiring and uplifting way to consider what more we can each do to help young people have good mental health and well-being.”

Buckinghamshire High Sheriff Peter Kara agreed. He said: “It was wonderful to see so many brave the adverse weather to support the walking, talking conversation on mental wellbeing for young people. The consensus on early intervention as a means of reducing the ever-increasing numbers affected by mental issues and the need to treat individuals holistically underlined the need for more focused attention on the problem.”

Open University Vice-Chancellor Peter Horrocks tweeted: “Fascinating “walking therapy” to discuss mental health. Approaches discussed ranged from positive psychology to physical  exercise and support from colleagues.”