About Simon

Mind Awareness Coach

“I’m Simon—a husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a Mind Awareness Coach. I have worked hard to transform from a liability to a person of value, and today, I pride myself on bringing a sense of peace and calm to any room I enter.

While the countryside has always been my greatest resource for mental health, I’ve learned that peace can be found anywhere—even in the city, which is why I once called myself the ‘Urban Countryman.’ Awareness is the first step toward change. If you’re ready to start your journey, explore my Experiences or Seeking Self Sessions to find the right path for you.

Call now to begin.“

Find out all about the Pennine way route here

Simon embarked on a journey along the Pennine Way. This journey underscored the positive impact of spending time in the countryside on mental health. Reflecting on his 35 years as a functioning alcoholic dealing with unrecognised chronic anxiety, Simon is passionate about raising awareness and providing better information for mental health decisions.

The walk along the Pennine Way covered 268 miles, it involved wild camping with minimal gear: a sleeping bag, tent, and rucksack, for 30 days. Simon believes that removing oneself from the pressures of modern life, even briefly, can enhance one’s ability to cope with those pressures upon returning to civilisation. While he undertook most of the walk alone, his four sons joined him for part of the journey.

Simon raised just under £4,000, in order to support Slow the Mind CIC and the Baton of Hope. Slow the Mind CIC provides mobile safe spaces for community support through conversation or signposting, while the Baton of Hope is the UK’s leading suicide prevention charity. 

A special focus was placed on Tuesday, September 10th, Suicide Awareness Day. Simon collaborated with various organisations, including the Kent Chamber of Commerce and BBC South East Today, interviewed by Nathalie Graham, to emphasise the importance of this day and his walk.

Key Highlights:

  • Campaign Purpose:
    Simon highlighted the benefits of spending time in nature for positive mental health choices during Suicide Awareness Month.
  • Personal History:
    With 35 years as a functioning alcoholic dealing with unrecognised chronic anxiety, Simon campaigns for better mental health information to help others make informed decisions.
  • The Journey:
    Simon walked and wild camped for 30 days, covering 268 miles. He was joined by his four sons for a portion of the walk.
  • Fundraising Target:
    Simon raised just under £4,000 for Slow the Mind CIC and the Baton of Hope.
  • World Suicide Prevention Day:
    Tuesday, September 10th: Simon connected with various organisations, including the Kent Chamber of Commerce, and BBC South East Today discuss the significance of the day and the walk.
Simon Pollard - Overcoming Alcoholism and Chronic Anxiety

Simon Pollard’s Bio:

Using his extensive knowledge of the countryside, skills as a teacher and experience of mental health issues such as ADHD, anxiety, depression that he witnessed in schools and in children’s care homes, Simon creates Guided Walks to help people re-learn how to engage with, and utilise, nature in order to improve their lives.

For more information or to support Simon’s journey, visit https://simonpollard.uk/

Contact Information: Simon Pollard
Email: simon@simonpollard.uk
Phone: 07970414784

About Slow the Mind CIC: Slow the Mind CIC provides mobile safe spaces for community support through conversation or signposting.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558040627589

About the Baton of Hope: The Baton of Hope is the UK’s leading suicide prevention charity, dedicated to raising awareness and providing support to those in need.

https://batonofhopeuk.org/

Help support Slow the Mind CIC and the Baton of Hope

Together we can make a difference