Belinda Kirk

AdventureMind is a collaboration of individuals and organisations working together to help more people use adventure for their wellbeing and mental health.

AdventureMind was founded and is managed by explorer Belinda Kirk. Belinda is an explorer, researcher and leading campaigner promoting the benefits of adventure on wellbeing and mental health. She’s written the first book to explain the psychology of why adventure is essential to our wellbeing: “Adventure Mind: Transform your wellbeing by choosing challenge” and launched the AdventureMind alliance to further explore the positive impact that adventurous activity has on wellbeing in 2019.  She sits on the panels below with a talented committed team.


AdventureMind Research & Evidence Panel

The AdventureMind Research Panel exists to make the science about adventure and mental wellbeing accessible and available to those who need it. And to set an agenda for high-quality research in this area and promote its wider application in society.


AdventureMind Conference Panel

The AdventureMind conference series explores the importance of adventure to wellbeing and mental health. It is for everyone who is interested in in understanding the connection between adventure and wellbeing, including outdoor professionals, wellbeing practitioners, researchers, health professionals & all adventurers. This year’s theme is ‘Accessible Adventure’ and is hosted by Beyond Bendrigg, in partnership with The University of Central Lancashire


#AdventureMind Ambassadors

 
 

AdventureMind is thrilled to announce our new Ambassadors Programme, a pivotal part of our strategic growth initiative designed to inspire our existing supporters and engage fresh talent within the UK's Outdoor Community.

At AdventureMind, we recognize the transformative power of adventure. Our mission is to provide compelling documentation through case studies, success stories, and research, offering robust, data-driven evidence to spark change and influence policymakers.

Our Ambassadors will play a crucial role in spreading our message far and wide. Through social media, websites, and community or business activities, they will help disseminate vital information and insights.

We're seeking a passionate, diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts who deeply understand the profound benefits of physical activity for mental and physical well-being.

We need 10 trailblazers to step up and become the pioneering supporters of our new initiative, setting the stage for future AdventureMind Ambassadors.

 

What is an Ambassador?

An ambassador for AdventureMind has several key responsibilities:

  • Primary Role: Sharing Research:

    Your main duty is to share research and stories related to outdoor adventures and wellbeing across your social media channels, newsletters, personal appearances, etc, helping to disseminate valuable information to a broader audience.

  • Be Social Media Savvy:

    Use your social media skills to promote AdventureMind’s research, initiatives, and events, ensuring maximum reach and engagement.

  • Monthly Research Sharing and Commentary:

    AdventureMind will publish new research each month, and you will be expected to share this content on your social media platforms, providing your own insights and comments to foster discussion and engagement.

  • Be an Approachable, Friendly Face at the AdventureMind Conference:

    IF you are attending the AdventureMind conference, act as a welcoming and friendly presence for attendees.

In essence, as an ambassador, you will play a pivotal role in increasing the visibility and impact of AdventureMind’s work, both online and at key events.

Why become an Ambassador?

  1. Establish or grow your credibility in the Outdoor Adventure Community:

    • Being an ambassador helps you gain recognition and respect among peers and enthusiasts within the outdoor adventure community. All Ambassadors will be listed on the AdventureMind website.

  2. Grow Your Network and connect with new contacts across the UK:

    • Expand your professional and personal network by connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations throughout the UK.

  3. Feel Good Factor: Great sense of personal satisfaction, spreading a positive message:

    • Experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with promoting positive initiatives and inspiring others to embrace outdoor adventures.

  4. Big Confidence Booster:

    • You don’t need to be extremely confident to start. This role will help you develop greater self-assurance and improve your interpersonal and communication skills.

  5. Opportunity to Meet Amazing People:

    • Engage with inspiring individuals, which can lead to new opportunities and collaborations in the adventure and outdoor sectors. We will run an online meeting to connect the first group of ambassadors.

  6. Increase Engagement with #adventuremind:

    • Utilize the hashtag #adventuremind to track and boost engagement, helping to spread the word and increase the impact of AdventureMind’s initiatives.

  7. Introduction at the AdventureMind Conference:

    • Gain special recognition and a platform at the Adventure Mind Conference, enhancing your visibility and influence within the community.

How do I get involved?

Complete the form below. Please write the copy for your questions in a document and then copy and paste it into the form

The form will take 10 minutes to fill in.

Please email a headshot to nickyc@pinknicky.com

The Brand Ambassador role will run for 12 months with an option to renew.

If your application is successful, we will get back to you in the next 2 weeks.

Timeline:

Our first 10 Ambassadors are uploaded and ready to get involved - August 2024

Our Ambassadors have shared our first research documents - September 2024

The Ambassador programme will be announced at the Adventure Mind conference in November 2024


Meet the AdventureMind Ambassadors

 
 

Nicky Chisholm

Adventure has always been a guiding force throughout my life: a way to meet new people, navigate difficult chapters and make my soul shine! As you get older your adventurous spirit changes with you! More about Nicky

Abbie Barnes

I have spent a lot of my life crippled by invisible struggles like mental ill health, chronic physical pain, and grappling with my sense of identity in a rigid, binary world. And yet from an early age I have consistently sought to give adversity a purpose More about Abbie

Phil Banfield

I’m a Mountain Leader and have take many people outside for lowland walks and mountain summits in the belief that the power of adventure and a connection with nature increases confidence through experiential validation. More about Phil

Mark Stancer

I have a business that takes people on outdoor adventures & challenges. We work with those wishing to take part in challenges in an effort to raise money for charity. More about Mark

Lisa Wells

I live on the coast of North Wales. I am an Ordnance Survey Champion, a qualified Mountain Leader, I volunteer with the Eryri National Park and arrange free wellbeing walks. More about Lisa

Josh Kohler

Awaiting info More about Josh

Lucy Austen

I am an Occupational Therapist (OT) with nearly two decades of experience. I have recently set up a CIC utilising bushcraft for wilderness therapeutic interventions, wellbeing, mental health support and neurological rehabilitation purposes. More about Lucy

Charlotte Fowles’

Adventure has saved me on many occasions throughout my life. Having had severe depression three times, each time I have sought refuge in adventure and the outdoors. More about Charlotte

Jessica Hepburn

I am an Author, Arts Producer and Adventure Activist inspiring people to live big and bravely when life doesn’t go to plan. More about Jessica

Maz Wyllie

I am based in both Scotland and The UAE and and have personal and second hand experience of adventure and nature changing and saving lives. More about Maz

Zoe Langley-Wathen

It is my mission to encourage others, and particularly midlife women to ‘HeadRightOut’ of their comfort zone in the outdoors, to keep their mental health in tip top condition and their resilience strong. More about Zoe

Martin Murphy

I lead adventure-based learning experiences that build resilience, foster well-being, and inspire teams to connect deeply with themselves and each other. More about Martin

Brigitte Ars

I blend personal experiences, journalism, academic research, and professional expertise to explore the concept of adventure, the adventurer within each of us, and how we can live more adventurous lives. More about Brigitte

Emily Bowie

I work for Velocity Cafe & Bicycle Workshop as a Project Coordinator for a cycling for wellbeing project. This project gets people from the local community cycling to promote physical and mental wellbeing More about Emily

Dave Gallagher

I am Dave, also known as the CognitvExplorer! I live near Chester, and spend a lot of time in North Wales in the mountains and at sea in my kayak. More about Dave

Stu Skinner

I’m an experienced Expedition Leader, Mental Health First Aid provider, and the founder of the Head Outside Awards. Born and raised in Hong Kong, I’ve lived all over the world but can now be found in Weymouth when I’m not travelling the globe. More about Stu

Global Convoy

In August 2016, three strangers - Max, Becca, and Joel - set off on an adventure to circle the globe in a £75 car within a year. This wasn’t just a physical journey but a mental one, pushing them to face challenges far beyond what they thought possible..

More about Global Convoy

Your Profile Here

Your Profile Here

Your Profile Here

Submit your Adventure Mind Ambassador Form: