Highland 'digital detox' group looking to expand across the UK
Clarity Walk are also looking to grow their school programmes and men-only groups in 2022
A Highland walking support group are aiming to franchise across the UK.
Clarity Walk, which was set-up in 2019, has already run numerous projects which involve improving mental health by leaving electronic devices behind and embracing the outdoors.
This includes a school programme and a men-only support group, with plans to expand both in 2022.
The charity is now looking for the right people to help the group grow outside of the Highlands.
Aims to support 10,000 people
Clarity Walk Founder Matt Wallace, from Inverness, says he has high hopes for the group moving forward.
He said: "I’m overwhelmed by the support of the community, from our volunteers, directors and everybody that’s got behind Clarity Walk.
"It has a lot of potential to support so many people across the Highlands and throughout the UK.
"Once we find the right people we know we can make a massive difference throughout the whole of the UK.
"By the end of five years, we want to support 10,000 people and franchising is the way we’re going to do that.
"We’re going to try and expand to two other locations in the UK with our franchise model, so get Clarity walk off the ground in two other areas which will be absolutely amazing.
"We also want to continue to keep on growing within the Highlands, supporting people and putting on more social events."
Group have gone from "strength to strength" in 2021
Matt also explained how the last 12 months have been great for the group.
He added: "In 2021, Clarity Walk went from strength to strength and we overcame many challenges with another lockdown, which meant we couldn’t do our group walks for a while, but we did create a one to one systems.
"We created more virtual walks to keep people motivated and engaged with nature and our group.
“We had the opportunity, thanks to MFR’s Cash for Kids, to do our Digital Detox school programmes.
"So we now work with a variety of different schools, making life-changing differences for children to learn new skills and build their confidence.
"We’re going to really focus on our school programmes, and work with more schools. We’re even going to introduce an after school programme."
"Our men only projects are going to grow and develop in collaboration with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)."
“We are on our screens more than ever before.
"Separating ourselves from it can just give us that mental clarity.
"We’re just trying to create that break for people that they desperately need right now."