A man who came to a charity in a “terrible place” is now planning to help festival goers at Glastonbury.
Chris Tyrrell, a 45 year-old from Halewood, came to The Florrie in Dingle while he was severely struggling with his mental health. Chris was supported by the charity, and began taking part in the Men’s Wellbeing Walking Group which encourages men to talk openly about their problems.
The walks come from Florrie volunteer Tony Caveney, who started the walks around Liverpool last year. The first session saw just four attendees, but similar walks have taken place across the country since. They have even sprung up worldwide since Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson promoted the group last summer.
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Now, thanks to Chris, the walks are getting their debut at a music festival. He argued that, while festivals can be places of fun and excitement, there are bound to be some there who are struggling amidst the large crowds.
Chris said: “I think there’s going to be 220,000 people in Glastonbury next week. There’s going to be someone who needs a chat.
He added: “Even if 200 people turn up, and there was just one person who was feeling a bit down and opened up to someone, then it would be worthwhile. Even if just one person turned up and I helped them, it would be worthwhile.”
Chris discovered the Florrie and its walking groups several years ago during a very challenging period in his life. He said: “I’ve struggled with my mental health for quite a few years. For a long time I thought I was on my own. That stigma of ‘I’m a man, I should be dealing with this better.’”
“When I walked into the Florrie, I was in a terrible place, a really dark place. Just opening up, talking to people and getting out on the walk helped me.”
Now, Chris feels he has changed for the better compared to when he first walked through the doors. He said: “Walking was one of the first steps to getting myself sorted. From when I first walked in, to where I am now, I’m a totally different person, I’ve got a totally different outlook on life.”
He argues The Florrie is an “inspiration for the city”, citing not just the walking group but also the counsellors and food bank also available there. The organisation reopened its doors in 2012 after over a decade of being closed.
It has since become a vital community hub, hosting events such as the Guitar In which attracted over 200 people in March. Now, Chris is proud to be building on the work of Tony and others at the charity.
Furthermore, this walking group at Glastonbury will be open to all, not just men. Chris said he has already heard from families planning to attend the walk.
As someone who has attended Glastonbury regularly since 1998, he believes there is no better place to start the group’s expansion into festivals.
He said: “Glastonbury is one of the nicest places I’ve ever been. It’s magical.”
Chris will be attending the festival this year with his son, and is excited to see friend of The Florrie Jamie Webster perform at Left Field again.
The Glastonbury Walk will take place on June 23, and those interested should meet at the Tony Benn Tower for 10am. Further details can be found on The Florrie’s website.
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