Mental health campaigner heading to Darlington carrying 36kg postbox
Stu Skinner MBE's raising awareness and funds to tackle isolation
A man's heading to Darlington this week carrying a 36kg cast iron postbox on his back which is also acting as his rucksack to combat loneliness.
Stu Skinner MBE's raising awareness and funds to tackle isolation by getting outside and talking about mental health.
He set off from Newcastle over the weekend and he's making the 87-mile trek to Ripon passing through County Durham.
Stu's inviting anyone he meets to join him and talk about loneliness.
He says he has experienced periods of feeling isolated, disconnected and lonely and can talk to the impact that this has on mental health. It led him to found Head Outside, the charity the walk is raising £20,000 for.
Stu said: "In 2024 after a moment of loneliness, looming eviction, and a lot of uncertainty, I bid on a postbox at a charity auction, it was a mad thing to do but it also acted as a catalyst - here was this symbol of communication and connection, how was I going to use this to raise awareness for Head Outside. I’ve not looked back since.
"Loneliness can feel like carrying something unbearably heavy on your own. Sometimes we need to let another person carry part of that weight.
“The postbox is a ridiculous but surprisingly effective conversation starter. People see it, laugh and ask what on earth I am doing. That creates an opening to talk about something which can otherwise feel difficult or uncomfortable.
“You do not have to climb a mountain or share your deepest feelings. Just come and walk, chat and enjoy the feeling of someone walking beside you. We may feel alone, but we do not have to carry everything alone.”
Fundraising for the walk has only just begun and the £20,000 target will help fund more expeditions and community work - taking groups out into nature, to reconnect and feel less alone. Donations can be made here.
You can find out more and check the route on his website or you can follow live updates on his Instagram or Facebook.