Youngsters unite for mental health and charity walk
Care leavers in Wirral have created a walking group to improve their mental health – while rallying together to raise hundreds of pounds for charity in support of one of their own.
The Care Explorers, formed towards the end of 2025, meet one Sunday each month to explore local routes, build friendships and combat isolation. Outings are often followed by a roast dinner, helping to create a supportive, family-like environment.
Alongside walks across the borough, the group travel further afield. They recently visited the dramatic Aber Falls in North Wales – a new experience for some members.
Ahead of a planned trek along the Wirral Coastal Walk in June, the group decided to raise money for charity. After member Reece was diagnosed with epilepsy, they chose to support the Epilepsy Society, aiming to both raise funds and promote awareness of the condition.
So far, the group has raised £400, exceeding their initial target, with donations continuing to grow.
Kerry Bull, Operational Lead for Leaving Care, at Wirral Council, said the idea of a getting out for a walk and into nature was suggested by one of the young people.
Some of our care leavers can feel isolated and poor mental health. The walking group is about community and a place to feel connected, do a bit of grounding, offer peer support and see new places which has seen improving mental health outcomes.
Kerry said she believes the initiative has made a significant impact. The close-knit bond the group have formed led to them talking openly after one of their own, Reece, had a seizure in the Care Leavers Hub.
Reece is an infectious character, although he can try to mask his epilepsy as he finds it difficult to talk about. The group made him feel grounded and told him they wanted to help.
It was really powerful when we discussed the Wirral Coastal Walk and raising money for charity. The group decided to raise the money for epilepsy and it meant the world to Reece.
On the day of the walk, he performed a rap to the group about his feelings. The message was really powerful. He wanted to show the group how he felt about them supporting his charity. He’s loved doing it and helped set up the JustGiving page. He’s now in communication with that charity and is made up.
Kerry said she wasn’t sure if setting up Carer Explorers would last, as the interests of young people can change quickly but the group have stuck with it and have used the walks for their benefit.
On some of the walks, we’ve had people from organisations such as mental health charities come along, talking about breathing and managing anxiety. It has been a great opportunity for them
Wirral Council acts as the corporate parent for any child that goes into care, until the age of 25.
This role brings the same responsibilities any parent would expect; keeping children safe, listening to them, supporting their health, helping them do well at school and preparing them for adult life.
Kerry believes the group goes beyond those responsibilities.
We are their corporate parents but, from their experiences, that is usually 9am-5pm between Monday and Friday. Us coming in on a Sunday shows it’s more than our job.
If we do a local walk, we persuade our participation and engagement worker Ange, who is like the mother figure, to do us a Sunday dinner. We have that like you would in your own family because we are their corporate family. Being able to do things like that means so much to them.
To donate to the Care Explorers’ cause for Epilepsy Society, click here.
