Charity to lead group of vulnerable Norfolk youngsters on challenge of a lifetime to Snowdon
Richard Evans at MIND is taking a group of young adults with mental health difficulties up to Snowdon.Picture by SIMON FINLAY. - Credit: Archant Norfolk
A group of young people with mental health issues are set to take on the biggest challenge of their lives.
About a dozen young adults from across Norfolk will be climbing Mount Snowdon on August 26 as they push themselves to the limit, phyiscally and emotionally.
The three-day adventure has been organised by Richard Evans, who works for mental health charity Mind.
He said: 'I grew up in Snowdonia and I've done qualifications to lead people in the mountains.
'I'm taking about ten to twelve people who don't really get much opportunity to meet new people.
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'Because of the challenges they face, they would be unlikely to go on a trip like this.'
Richard's fond memories of spending his youth in Snowdonia convinced him of the potential benefits of the trip.
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He said: 'We would expect them to come back feeling like they have achieved something.
'I hope they will feel more confident.'
The group signed up to go on the trip suffer from problems including depression, anxiety, panic attacks and neurosis.
Richard hopes the beautiful scenery will give the group an opportunity to reflect.
He said: 'There's something very special about walking up in high ground.
'I've said to every young person on the trip that I can't guarantee they will do everything that they want to.
'But I can guarantee they will get a change of perspective.'
Not only will the group be taking on the huge challenge of reaching the highest point in England and Wales, but they've also got a metaphorical mountain to climb.
Richard said: 'The real challenge will be going into a completely new environment with a whole load of people they've never met before.
'For some of them the biggest challenge they've faced so far was coming in for an interview for this in the first place.
'They've really pushed themselves taking the first few steps.
'I've always wanted to do this, I've always though it would work.
'It's all going to rely totally on the dynamic of the group and how they support each other.'
For more information about Mind, visit norwichmind.org.uk
Are you planning a charity adventure? Email polly.grice@archant.co.uk
