A STAFF member at HMP Dartmoor walked from his home in Plymouth to the prison last Thursday (May 21) to raise funds to support men’s mental health.

Adam Stewart, an assistant psychologist in the mental health team at Dartmoor Prison, left his home in Plymouth City Centre at 4am and followed the Tavistock Road from Plymouth to Yelverton.

At Yelverton he then made his way over Dartmoor to the Princetown prison and through its iconic archway at 11am ready to start his day’s work supporting male prisoners.

As well as raising funds, Adam wanted to take on the 15 mile walk to work to support last week’s national Mental Health Awareness campaign.

Adam said: ‘After seven hours of walking, some stunning views, and a few close encounters with wild ponies, I complete my commute from Plymouth to Dartmoor Prison. The last few miles were the hardest, but when I arrived at the Princetown I was met with a hero’s welcome by my colleagues, who cheered me on to the finish line: the prison’s iconic archway. The main feeling then was one of achievement, though my feet were sore.’

Adam said that the idea to walk for mental health awareness came about when he was driving home after work.

‘I am a bit of a self-proclaimed eco warrior, so I thought I could be “kind” to the environment by swapping my car keys for walking boots and commuting to work on foot. Then I realised this would also be a good opportunity to show kindness to others by turning the walk into a fundraising event.

‘The event has raised £455 — the money received from the event will be used to support volunteer groups in Plymouth that support men from the local area in their recovery from mental illness.

Adam added: ‘Speaking as someone with experience of helping men discuss their mental health concerns, I understand how challenging it can be for someone to ask for help even when they feel they need it. Male suicide rates are disproportionately high and there is still a lot of misunderstanding and stigma that exists when it comes to mental health difficulties and treatment.

‘The work being done by our local volunteer groups are helping to educate people about mental health and reduce barriers to accessing much needed mental health support.

‘My hope is that by doing my bit toward raising awareness, other people will be encouraged to talk about mental health and also think of ways they can show kindness to themselves, others, and of cause the environment.’