Escape to the Country presenter Jules Hudson has taken part in an important walk as he leads a campaign to support veterans. The BBC favourite has urged the public to get outdoors during the winter months as made a personal admission.
Jules, who has also presented Countryfile, said he wants to support military veterans who have struggled with “physical and mental scares” during their time in the army.
In addition to combating loneliness, this year’s motto, “Let’s Talk,” aims to encourage more widespread conversations about mental health.
Speaking exclusively to Express Online about his struggles, Jules explained: “Mental health is an issue which affects all of us, and I’m no exception; bereavement, the daily struggle to make ends meet, caring for a parent with dementia, are just some of the everyday challenges that I’ve found can take their toll.
Thankfully, these days we are much more open and prepared to talk about it. It’s often said a problem shared is a problem solved, and throughout my life I’ve certainly believed that’s the case.”
Veterans charity Walking With The Wounded has launched its annual Walking Home fundraising effort, encouraging everyone to take a walk this winter.
Research has found that outdoor exercise is veterans’ most popular mental health-boosting activity, and 90 per cent of veterans say that spending sufficient time outdoors is the key to improving mental health.
Jules commented: “Every November, we, of course, have the important opportunity for reflection and remembrance for our fallen servicemen and women.
I feel it’s also vital that we shall not overlook our veterans who have returned to civilian life post-service, some of whom unfortunately struggle with the physical and mental scares picked up from their time in the military.
As a current member of our Reserve Forces, raising awareness of these often misunderstood challenges is personally meaningful to me.”
Jules has since taken part in a sponsored walk and admitted it had done wonders for his mental health.
He took part in a walk at Monmouth Castle where his former regiment, the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, is stationed. Alongside him were local cadets from the Monmouth Detachment ACF and Haberdashers Monmouth School CCF.
“It never ceases to amaze me how powerful a simple stroll in the outdoors can be for your own mental wellbeing. In this case it’s all while supporting the mental wellbeing of our veterans, which is an incredibly fulfilling experience,” he explained.
As well as supporting veterans with mental health, physical health, and social support, another key focus is to educate the general public on the often misunderstood struggles veterans face post-service.
Over half (54%) of the general public feel upholding mental health is the biggest challenge facing veterans when returning to civilian life.
To add to the more than £2million raised in the past decade of the annual Walking Home fundraisers, 2024’s participants are invited to take on a sponsored walk alongside friends, family, or colleagues.There is no minimum distance or fundraising target.
To sign up, visit: https://walking-home.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/.
