After discovering The Mental Health Runner on social media, Jill’s life changed, and she went on to nominate the person behind the social media posts for a Compassionate Champions Award. Jill shares her story…

Finally, I went along to one of the walks and found everyone was so friendly. The biggest thing was as soon as I arrived Shawn welcomed me with a big hug and talked to me as we walked along. When you feel isolated and alone, a hug can be so important.

As we chatted I felt comfortable to share things that I liked and was interested in. This led to him sign-posting some things that could be helpful in getting my confidence back. At the end of the first walk, when I arrived home I breathed a sigh of relief for the first time. I thought that was good, I enjoyed it and I was OK. I knew it would be fine to go again and I did. I was getting exercise, developing friendships and connections within the group. It was lovely going to the supermarket and bumping into people I knew from the group and getting more hugs. 

Some of the walks started at St Helena Hospice and I found out about a volunteer role at St Helena within Compassionate Communities, which I applied for. Part of this involves talking to people in community, assisting set up at workshops, and I recently shared my story in front of 30 people, something I couldn’t have done before I went on that first walk.

I also became involved in the ambassador programme and went out into community with Shawn, who is also a Community Connector, so that I could learn how he does this. It has all been helpful in building back my confidence and self esteem and connection with others. As a bonus it also started to fulfil the desire for wanting to do something meaningful that I have had for years. 

I nominated Shawn for the Champion award, as many did. He is kind, compassionate, authentic, and as we walk he talks and supports, recognising when people need it. He is not afraid of being emotional and sharing his own story for people to connect with. For me, it’s those building blocks, it’s going along to Shawn’s walking groups and feeling it would be a safe space, which is especially important when you have anxiety. 

So, watching those Facebook posts to begin with meant I knew that I could go along and there would be someone who would be kind and understanding. The Compassionate Champion Awards are about kindness and connection, and that’s what Shawn and his walks are about. It has been great for those who have felt isolated, and also for exercise and fresh air, but it is also helpful for anyone, no matter what their reason for going. 

There are many people, places and projects in the community some of which, like Shawn, are using their lives and personal experiences to help others. I believe the Community Champion Award is one of the wonderful ways to show gratitude, thanks and recognition, which is why I nominated Shawn.  

Colchester has been recognised as a Compassionate City because of the many local people, projects and places that go above and beyond to help improve the lives of others facing serious or life-limiting illness, ageing, caregiving and loss through social connectedness, kindness and compassion. Celebrate Compassionate Community Champions who live or work in Colchester by nominating the people, projects and places who you believe should be recognised by the city.

Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of One Colchester Delivery Board representatives and the panel will be in touch if more information is needed before making a decision. If your nomination is successful, you and the person, project or place you have nominated will be informed within two months of the nomination being received and will be invited to collect a certification of recognition by the Mayor of Colchester.