Walk Talk Action was honoured to be invited to MAN Commercial Protection HQ for their 30th anniversary celebrations and to be one of their chosen charitable organisations for 2023
Our Founder, Teri, went to meet HR Director at MAN Commercial Protection, Traci McCallister. They discussed the work of Walk Talk Action and what inspired Teri to start WTA. Here’s the short interview…
Can you tell us about the work Walk Talk Action does?
Walk Talk Action is a charitable organisation that is ultimately here to deliver skills, knowledge and opportunities to those that are ready to make a change in life.
We have an extensive network of professionals and organisations that we have built strong relationships with, and we make connections on behalf of people struggling with their mental health.
Then we help them to overcome a fear, or get back into employment or education.
We set up walks to get people outside of the four walls, enjoy nature, and to have time to reset. We offer different activities ranging from kayaking/canoeing, to coffee mornings to equine therapy and mindfulness.
It’s about taking people out of their comfort zones to see their true potential.
Sounds brilliant! What was it that inspired you to set up Walk Talk Action?
I set up Walk Talk Action to help people struggling in life get back to a better state of mind through literally walking, talking and taking action!
I’m a mum and step mum of 4, and I have suffered with my own mental health including PTSD, anxiety and postnatal depression.
I’m a qualified Outdoor Educator, Mental Health coordinator, mentor and have served in the British Armed forces as a combat medic.
I left my job as a high dependency ambulance driver to set up WTA and have helped over 500 people back into education, employment or overcome a fear.
Helping people has ultimately helped me with my mental health and I feel passionate about finding out people’s talents and helping them to succeed.
Out for a walk in the great outdoors with Walk Talk Action.
What are your hopes for Walk Talk Action in the future?
We have a base now after 4 years. A lot of work is still needed but it’s become our retreat and a place we can deliver all the workshops. This includes our specialist 10-Step Programme, which covers the whole journey of a person being at rock bottom to then succeeding on their journey.
We hope to eventually have retreats set up all over the UK to encourage and motivate more people that are struggling with their mental health, to reassure them that you can become what you truly want to become.
It all starts with a listening ear, a walk, a talk and then actions put into place in order to make those changes and be happier in life.
What would Walk Talk Action aim to do with the funds raised by MAN Commercial at the end of this year?
The funds raised would help WTA immensely. We always have new projects starting to help people on the 10-Step Programme to achieve their goals.
Our cabin at the retreat needs repainting and a pathway putting in.
Ultimately it would help with reaching more people struggling and us to provide the support and opportunities they need.
Supporting the cause
If you would like to support MAN Commercial’s fundraising and the work that Walk Talk Action does for those struggling with their mental health, please consider making a donation to their Just Giving page.
