Mental Health Mates - Geneva

Mental Health Mates is a network of volunteer-led, peer support groups that encourage people to get moving and talking for their mental health. With over over 160 groups across the UK, groups are now popping up across the globe. The network is run voluntarily by people who experience their own mental health issues, meeting regularly with locals to walk, connect and share without judgement.

The Geneva MHM group was set up in December 2023 with walk in nature talking place once per month. Taking these steps can often feel the hardest, but we believe that movement and connection can play an important role in managing our mental wellbeing. Take your first step today and join us for a walk in Geneva!

Who is the group for?
Anybody...
...who would like to be part of a local community supporting mental wellness
...interested to better understand, appreciate and learn about mental health
...needing a reason to get out for a walk and connect with people
...needing a supportive ear to listen, or willing to lend an ear to another

Do I have to talk about my own mental health?
There is no pressure to talk at all and especially no pressure to discuss your mental health. Just come along and say hello, walk with us and see where it takes you.

What type of walk is it?
The walks will be gentle walks around the city centre and surrounding areas, unless otherwise stated on the event page. We will walk at a pace suitable for everyone in the group. The walks will generally last one hour and end with an optional coffee/tea and chat. Should you have specific physical needs, please contact the local walk leader.

Is the walk only for English speakers?
No, absolutely not. The Geneva walk leader is a native English speaker and also speaks French. We appreciate that Geneva is an extremely international city and all languages are respected in the group - we will do our best to accommodate everyone (sometimes supportive actions speak louder than words!)

Where can I find out more info?
More information about the organisation be found here: www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk
If you would like information about the Geneva group, you can email the local walk leader Laura at mhmgeneva@gmail.com

Please keep in mind:
We are not mental health professionals so if we feel unable to meet your needs we will recommend other services for you to contact. This is a safe space to talk and what is said in the group stays in the group.

Peer Support Only
Mental Health Mates is a peer support network run by people who experience their own mental health issues, meeting regularly to walk, connect and share without fear or judgement. We are not mental health professionals so if we feel unable to meet your needs we will recommend other services for you to contact. It is natural to gravitate towards others in the group and want to keep contact with them outside of the walks or virtual talks. We ask that you be respectful of each others boundaries when asking or sharing contact details. We are also not a means to meet a romantic partner and we ask that you do not use the organisation for these purposes as it is in direct conflict with the safe community we provide for our Members

Respecting Facilitators
Respecting Facilitators Our Walk Leader’s are the foundation of Mental Health Mates and incredible leaders of this community. However, like all of us, they also have their own Mental Health to manage. If you have any concerns regarding a Virtual Meet or Walk, please be respectful and kind when communicating this with them. If you are unable to resolve your concern with your Walk Leader, please contact the MHM Team at hello@mentalhealthmates.co.uk so that we can help you.

Confidentiality
Please keep in mind that this is a safe space to talk and what is said in the group stays in the group.