Charity offers free walking retreats to emergency responders

A new programme of fully funded retreats is offering emergency responders structured time away to focus on mental health and recovery, with support tailored to the unique pressures of frontline work.

In partnership with the Blue Light Card Foundation, Mind Over Mountains is providing a series of free, two-day residential wellbeing retreats exclusively for those working in the UK’s emergency services.

The retreats combine guided hill-walking, mindfulness, and confidential support from professional coaches and counsellors. They’re designed to help participants pause, decompress, and rebuild resilience in a safe, supportive space, alongside fellow emergency services personnel.

“We know that frontline workers are under immense pressure. These retreats offer more than just time out – they give people practical tools to support long-term mental health, and a community that continues long after the retreat ends.”

Ian Sansbury, Mind Over Mountains

Designed to complement existing workplace support, the retreats offer a preventive approach to mental health by encouraging early intervention and self-awareness. By stepping outside the usual routines and environments, participants can gain new perspectives on stress management and personal wellbeing.

Each retreat also fosters peer connection, creating a space where attendees can share experiences and strategies in confidence. Feedback from past participants highlights the value of stepping into a calm, non-judgmental setting where mental health is prioritised without stigma or distraction.

Many emergency responders have already benefitted from Mind over Mountains’ work. Last year the charity collaborated with the Welsh Ambulance Service on a series of back to nature respite days for its staff.

“We’re proud to partner this initiative from Mind Over Mountains, which offers emergency responders space to breathe, reflect, and begin healing.

“These retreats provide so much more than time outdoors, they combine expert support with nature’s restorative power, helping people feel grounded, connected, and ready to move forward. This is the kind of compassionate, practical support our blue light community needs and deserves.”

Emma Woods-Bolger, CEO of The Blue Light Card Foundation

Open to all blue light services across the UK, the retreats are fully funded and include accommodation, meals, expert facilitation, and 12 months of follow-up email resources.

Applications are now open for the first retreat this September. Register your interest and receive more information about what is on offer by filling out this form.

The industry will once again be gathering at the NEC, Birmingham for The Emergency Services Show, co-located with The Emergency Tech Show, on 17-18 September, check out the full exhibitor list here. You can find Mind Over Mountains in the Collaboration Zone at Stand CZ74.

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