CHARITY
HIKING IN THE ALPS FOR WELLBEING
Local charity, Climbing Out, enrols two West Mercia Police officers on an expedition to the Alps to help them build mental resilience and overcome trauma
PCs Tim Viner (Collision investigation) and Rich Edward (G Div local policing) of West Mercia Police took on the challenge of a lifetime with Shropshire charity, Climbing Out, to improve their wellbeing by hiking on the Italian Haute Route in the Alps.
The hiking expedition was
a seven-day glaciated trek circumnavigating the Monte Rosa Massif, crossing from Switzerland into Italy and back again, and summiting several mountains that are over 4,000m. The charity works with adults who have encountered a mental or physical trauma that has derailed their life. Climbing Out’s programmes combine outdoor activities and mental wellbeing coaching to empower participants to take back control of their mindset and actions. Tim attended a core programme
52 | POLICE | AUGUST | 2024
in October 2021 after experiencing significant mental health problems during the 2020 and 2021 Covid lockdowns. Since then, he has gained the mental resilience tools to live his life to the full again.
“We’re thrilled that Tim and Rich joined us on the Alps expedition, which was the next step in their recovery journey.”
Rich attended the core programme in
October 2022 after his involvement in a significantly traumatic incident at work alongside difficulties in his personal life. Like Tim, the core programme gave Rich the ability to focus on the future and gain momentum in moving forward. Tim and Rich were selected to take part in the charity’s second overseas
expedition in its 14-year history. Climbing Out’s founder, Kelda Wood MBE, said: “We’re thrilled that Tim and Rich joined us on the Alps expedition, which was the next step in their recovery journey. Not only was this a gruelling challenge, but each participant stepped up to make this trip happen – from sourcing sponsors to gathering the required kit, and lots of training in between.
“By taking on this level of responsibility they are stretched out of their comfort zone and come to realise exactly what they’re capable off. It’s not a challenge about speed or distance, it’s about inspiring this group of people and those following their journey, with the knowledge that anything is possible. The whole group have put in months of hard
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