![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
A mental health charity is looking to expand the support it provides to emergency services, as statistics reveal the enormous stress faced by first responders in the UK.
Mind Over Mountains—which offers walks and weekend retreats in places like the Peak District, Lakes and Welsh mountains—already works with bodies such as the Welsh Ambulance Service, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire police forces and the College of Paramedics.
The charity will be at this year’s Emergency Services Show at the NEC, Birmingham looking to forge new relationships to widen the positive impact of its offering.
Emergency responders’ mental health below UK average
Data shows, for example, that a police officer can witness as many as 200 times more traumatic events compared to the average citizen. Another survey showed two-thirds of all UK emergency responders report lived experience of mental ill health, that’s well over double the figure in the general population.
“The good news is that mental health professionals and clinical research evidence are increasingly pointing to the things that can help to restore and sustain good mental health,” says Ian Sansbury, chief executive of Mind Over Mountains.
Not only is walking and talking in nature itself therapeutic, every walk includes mindfulness sessions and the walkers are accompanied by qualified coaches and counsellors.
“Time in nature, physical activity, connection with others, and the chance to be mindful are the principles that underpin Mind Over Mountains’ nature-based approach to mental health and wellbeing,” adds Ian. “We are committed to bringing those programmes to those who need them most – particularly those in our emergency services and the NHS.”
One person to benefit from the support provided by Mind Over Mountains is Emily, who attended a paramedics retreat in the Peak District. She says that after being burnt out by her job, she left feeling energised with a host of techniques to draw upon to sustain her mental wellbeing.
“Being amongst other paramedics, supported by the wellbeing volunteers I felt connected and over the days able to open up. I was able to see that I wasn’t alone in how I had been feeling and explore this in a safe environment,” she said.
“In some way it felt less scary the idea of being with other paramedics – like an extension of the now rare crew room chats.”
The industry will once again be gathering at the NEC, Birmingham for The Emergency Services Show, co located with The Emergency Tech Show on 18-19 September, check out the full exhibitor list here. You can find Mind Over Mountains in Hall 5, Stand T227.
Mind Over Mountains has also published a web page and brochure detailing what the charity can offer.
