We know that movement and being outdoors can have a positive impact on our mental wellbeing. As a psychological support service for STSFT staff, Thrive is keen to give our colleagues the chance to get together and enjoy some light physical activity, in our local areas, to enjoy some 'time out' in the fresh air.

We've teamed up with Living Streets and have trained 13 members of the Team STSFT family, who have kindly volunteered to become walk leaders and put on 'Wellbeing Walks' for our staff. These walks will be free to attend and will take place across Trust sites on lunchtimes, in the evenings and on weekends. 

If you plan to come to one of our Wellbeing Walks, please email our Walk Leaders (who you can meet by scrolling to the bottom of this page) at stsft.wellbeing-walk-leaders@nhs.net. Booking is not essential, you can just turn up however if you're able to let us know that you plan to come, it would be really helpful and means we can contact you in case of any changes or cancellations.

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Some of our walk leaders after completing their training with Living Streets.

Dates of upcoming wellbeing walks

Our next Wellbeing Walks are taking place on:

  • Sunday 13th August - Weekend walk with Alison at Herrington Park. Meet at 11am at Herrington Park Car Park, DH4 7EL. 1 hour 30 minute walk. Family and dogs welcome!
  • Wednesday 16th August - Lunchtime walk with Kim at SRH. Meet at 12:30pm outside Education Centre, SRH. 30 minute walk.
  • Thursday 17th August - Lunchtime walk with Mariam at SRH. Meet at 12:00pm outside Education Centre, SRH. 30 minute walk. 
  • Sunday 20th August - Weekend walk with Kim in South Shields. Meet at 11am at Customs House, NE33 1ES. Free parking. Family and dogs welcome! 
  • CANCELLED: Sunday 27th August - Weekend walk with Tracy and Lynn in Roker. Meet at 11am at Bungalow Cafe, SR6 0PR. 1 hour 30 minute walk. 

Meet our wellbeing walk leaders

Kim Skerritt

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"I'm a payroll officer, based at Trust HQ and have worked for the NHS for just over three years. 

I love walking because it relieves stress, improves my mood and I also love being outside in the fresh air.
Walking has had such a positive effect on my mental health and helps me escape the day-to-day madness of working and raising three very active, noisy boys.

I wanted to become a walk leader to meet other people in the trust as I work in a small team and rarely meet anyone outside of our offices. It's also an opportunity to help motivate people to get out and about even if it is only for 20 mins to help towards their own wellbeing."

Contact details for walks: kimberly.skerritt@nhs.net
 

Tracy Simmons

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"I'm an ODP Team leader in Max Fax and Day case theatres, based in C Level Theatres at Sunderland Royal Hospital.  I've worked for the trust for almost 20 years.

I enjoy walking because it clears my head and blows all the cobwebs away.  We have lovely scenery right on our doorstep and I take full advantage of it, especially the beaches."

Contact details for walks: 07412951170
 

Vicky Carr

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"I'm Deputy Data Assurance Manager, based at Trust HQ and I’ve worked for STSFT for over 20 years.

As a busy, full-time working mam, I’m constantly dashing and I feel like I have a lot of plates spinning. Walking for me, provides a moment to catch up with my thoughts, clear my mind and can really re-energise me for my next task or challenge.  I try to do as many short, frequent journeys on foot as I can, whether that’s the school run, popping to the shop or nipping out for lunch - those little bursts get my steps in without much effort, and really helps keep my head-space balanced in my working week.  On weekends I enjoy an early sunrise stroll to start the day, this part of the day is just magical and peaceful – some great insta opportunities too! "
 

Alison Sampson

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"I recently retired from my role as Divisional Finance Manager for Medicine, but am pleased to be continuing my role with the Trust as a Walk Leader.

I enjoy walking for exercise, stress relief and just to get outside to experience the joys of the countryside.  I choose to become a walk leader to encourage everyone to walk to benefit from the exercise, improve mental wellbeing and as a social activity."

 

Julie Parker

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"I'm an Acting Junior Sister in ED.

I love the outdoors and enjoy walking with my partner, family and friends in my spare time. I wanted to become a walk leader so l could organise walks for the trust and the ED to help bring people together and improve physical and mental health through walking and socialising."

Contact details for walks: julie.parker34@nhs.net or 07525790962
 

Sue Harvey

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"I'm a specialist discharge nurse, based on the old Ward 20 at South Tyneside Hospital and have worked in the Trust for 43 years. 

I have always loved walking for various reasons. Love of nature, the countryside, it's a great way to spend time with family and friends, health benefits both physical and mental. Throw in a coffee stop or a pub lunch? Heaven! 

I do enjoy walking with other people although I equally enjoy walking miles with my dog, Jack.  I wanted to be a walk leader to enable other people who are perhaps less confident about walking to encourage them to come along and enjoy all the benefits that it brings. Walking really does give one a sense of wellbeing.!

Contact details for walks: 07554891414

 

Mariam Sabir

"I work as a staff nurse, based in the Outpatient Department and have worked over 14 years for the Trust.

I walk to keep my self fit, and for my enjoyment and well-being. I have arthritis and so walking is a great low-impact form of exercise that keeps me active. I am always keen to walk and when I saw there was the opportunity to be a walk leader, I decided to have this training and help other's wellbeing by leading walks for everyone to join."

 

Liv Batterbee

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"I work as an Assistant Psychologist for St Benedict's Hospice.

I chose to become a walk leader because I love being outdoors in nature, especially the coast and local forests! It’s also a great way to meet new people and explore new areas, since I have recently relocated to the North from the South West.

Contact details for walks: olivia.batterbee@nhs.net

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