Mental health: 'A bit of a walk in open air is the best medicine'
I'm back with the latest in our 25in25 series - a chance to shine a spotlight on interesting people and places in our region.This week I'm in Brinnington, a suburb of Stockport in Greater Manchester.Once an area of open farmland, everything changed in the 1950s and 1960s when council housing developments transformed the natural environment.Nestled amongst the high-rise flats, though, there are still nearly 400 acres (161 hectares) of woodland, waterways and wildlife.This natural beauty is set against the industrial backdrop of the Tame viaduct, known locally as the 16 arches.
Sand martins and kingfishers nest in the river banks.The mill ponds and wetlands are visited by wildfowl including geese, herons, grebes, cormorants, coots and a variety of ducks. It is a truly serene place in which locals and visitors alike can walk, talk, stop and watch the world go by.It's the perfect location for weekly mindfulness walks led by Danny Drayson, from Age UK Stockport."A lot of people don't know about the area," he said."So it's my job to get people out of the flats and get walking."When asked why that was so important to him, he replied: "Because it benefits everybody."A bit of a walk in open air is the best medicine for anybody."For the past three years, Danny has been outside Hollow End flats every Monday morning ready to lead the walk, regardless of distractions like poor weather or bank holidays.He thinks "there is no better way to start the week".
'Creating friendships'
I joined a lovely bunch, some from Brinnington and others from further afield.One visitor, Jaqueline, said: "I was nervous to begin with but the people have been so friendly and lovely and I'd never been to this park before."As well as making the most of local open spaces and improving mental and physical health, Danny hopes the walks, which were set up in collaboration between Age UK Stockport and Life Leisure, will help create friendships. Jimmy Glindon has certainly been helped by the walks."I was well overweight - I wasn't going anywhere, I wasn't doing anything with my life," he said. "I was miserable, suffering with depression and anxiety."I'm not sure where my life would be [without the group] but it wouldn't be half as good as it is now."Anyone wanting to join in should head to Hollow End Towers on Northumberland Road at 10:30 BST on Mondays.
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