Author: Zofia Ludwig

Following on from our previous blog post about the benefits, both phsycial and mental, of being active and taking up running, a number of the Expert in Mind team signed up to take part in the Blenheim Palace Triathlon in June of this year.

We all felt very brave back in July 2022 when we signed up for the event and before we knew it, there were 13 of us taking part – some from the office and a few of our friends who are regularly involved in our fund raising events.

All but one of us chose to be in a relay team so we could concentrate on training hard for one discipline; especially important to those of us who chose a new sport.

We chose to fundraise for the charity ‘Veterans with Dogs‘.  This charity combines so many subjects close to our hearts – helping past and present members of the armed forces, assisting with mental health and our love of dogs.  Said best in their own words – “An award winning organisation, Veterans With Dogs was the first in the UK to train and provide specialised assistance dogs for Veterans with mental health difficulties. 

 We believe in the incredible power of the human-canine connection. Our mission is to empower Veterans by providing them with highly trained assistance dogs, offering unwavering support and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, we’re transforming lives, one wet nose at a time.”

So on 2nd June 2023, we novice triathletes arrived at Blenheim Palace on a picture perfect day.  And what a setting! The atmostphere was amazing, full of postivity and excitement. Being part of a big team, and within that, a relay team, triggered so much encouragement towards each other.  Everyone successfully completed the swim, bike or run and we were full of smiles, a huge sense of achievement and with proudly displaying a medal around our neck.

The whole experience of the triathlon was brilliant. From the moment you arrived the atmosphere was electric. Everyone was full of energy. Being a part of a team was the best part for me. To be able to be a cheerleader for the other disciplines and still do you part was great. A day I will not forget!  Nattasha, Case Manager

      

It is very rare these days to meet someone who has not experienced some form of mental health difficulty.  Working in the industry also means that the Expert in Mind team are reading about mental health issues on a daily basis.  So is it true that exercise really helps? Answer – yes!

I have always hated running, since my school days.  But one day I saw an awful photo of myself and decided to download the couch to 5k app and give it a go.  This is a great app that tells you when to walk and when to run and very gradually builds up the running time over the weeks and months.  When I started, I couldn’t run for a solid minute.  But, determined to give it a chance I carried on and was over the moon when I managed to run a whole 5k.  This made me want to challenge myself even more and I have now completed several 10k runs and two half marathons. (I fully admit to getting addicated to the medals!) I cannot profess to ever finding running easy.  In fact, most runs are difficult and I could easily talk myself out of going – too windy, too hot, too cold, too tired – the list goes on. BUT, whenever I do run I feel absolutely great afterwards.  My mind is clear, I feel so happy, I feel energised and the sense of achievement is immense.

Aside from the physical health benefits, from a mental health perspective, running can help you recover from mental health issues, improve sleep, reduce stress, improve memory and focus, improve brain health and boost your mood.

One of our top Experts, Dr Laura Pipon- Young, Clinical Psychologist, has recently taken up running.  Fresh from completing the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday in a spectacular time of 2 hours and 6 minutes, here’s what she says about running:

“I’ve never been particularly sporty or found it particularly easy to exercise. Then in 2020, during the pandemic a neighbour asked me if I would like to run with her as it was something we could do outside.  I did somewhat reluctantly as I wasn’t fit at all but we started off very slowly and soon it became a time I looked forward to. It was our chance to put the world to rights and slowly but surely, we were going further and further.  Then in 2021, I was persuaded, perhaps rashly, to take on my first half marathon… the London Landmarks in April 2022.  I loved it!  The atmosphere, the chance to see all the sights and the achievement at the end.  I signed up again in April 2023, this time taking 8 minutes off my previous time! I was amazed and again thoroughly enjoyed it.  What I have learnt during this running journey is to prioritise my fitness and self-care as I would the many other commitments in my life.   Another game changer for me was to decide to run according to how I feel; getting out is the aim not how far or how fast.  It also helps that I have some fantastic running buddies, both human and canine – oh and we invariably finish at our local coffee shop, good old positive reinforcement comes into it too!  I would say that running really is great for mental health and keeping those stress levels in check: I promise it can also be fun and if I can do it, I genuinely believe anyone can.  Next step: the Great North Run 2023! ” – Dr Laura Pipon-Young, Clinical Psychologist

Several members of the Expert in Mind team have also become runners and here’s what they say about it:

“It’s been nearly a year since I started my running journey, because of our very convincing CEO, who encouraged us to sign up for a 10k for fun! Having not run for over a decade, I struggled to run for even a minute at a time. But with the support of my colleagues and a push of determination I completed my first 10k in September 2022, as well as completing the London Winter Run 10k in February this year. I must say that I am still waiting to enjoy running.. But what I do enjoy is the feeling of accomplishment when I have made it over the finishing line! Even more so because I don’t find it easy! So when I cross that line and have got through it, it feels great. Such an immense feeling of achievement that washes over you. Running has helped me to start getting back in shape and has helped in giving me more energy. There is something about sticking your headphones in and setting out on that run that gives you a pocket of time where you can switch off and wipe away the day. It’s also great to have running buddies who can hold you accountable and make sure you are getting out on those planned runs! Your mind can be your biggest challenge to get past. Telling yourself you can do it and to not give up is something that I have tried to carry through into the rest of my life and running when I don’t find it easy has helped me to have confidence that I can achieve things that are outside of my comfort zone. If you are in any doubt, give running a try. Even if, like me, you start with not being able to run for a minute; just know that over time you will do better and you too could be collecting medals, medals and more medals (it’s not about the medals, honest!)” – Leigh Hammond, Case Manager

“I started running two years ago and couldn’t even run for 10 minutes straight. I went on to complete my first 10k race in September 2021 and Half Marathon in April 2022. And I can well and truly say I caught the running bug. It became my very own free therapy session. It allows for a little bit of me time to process my thoughts or completely ignore them and zone out. I have achieved goals I never thought were possible and am very excited to see what’s next on my running journey…I can hear the London Marathon calling my name very faintly in the background. Who knows!!!  The benefits of running are endless, not only does it boost your physical and mental health but the people you meet and community you become apart of is amazing.” – Nattasha Byrne, Case Manager 

“I started running in 2021 purely to take part in the Cancer Research 10k Summer Run with zero intentions this would become something.  But the sense of achievement when you see the finish line, is something I have never experienced along with how the community comes together to cheer people on that they do not know just out of the kindness of their hearts – this is what encouraged me to take keep going and entre many other 10k races and two half marathons. 

As someone who has always been into sport and is quite athletic, long distant running was never my thing and I never thought I would be able to run longer than 10 minutes. At the beginning it was so difficult and I never thought I would  make it around the course let alone achieve what I have,but with determination and my competitive spirit, you really can achieve anything you set your mind on.  There were times when doing training runs felt like a chore, but when you get home, check your running tracker, and see you have knocked a couple of seconds of your time, its just euphoric! After each race I completed, I just wanted more and still want more. Running allows you to be free and gives you a great mental space, you can organise your life, plan your next move all whilst moving your body – which I consider a Bonus!

I would say to anyone, if you are unsure of a hobby to get into enter a race, give yourself a goal and go for it. Your life will be changed! –  Shyann Weekes, Office Manager 

So, its a resounding yes! Running does help your mental health, as well as your physical health.  If you are in the vicous circle where don’t have the motivation to move or go out, but would feel better if you did, give it one try.  You won’t regret it!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]15 years ago I put a desk in my spare room and launched a tiny version of Expert in Mind.

I had worked with Experts while managing the Expert Witness Department at the Priory Ticehurst House which The Priory had decided it wanted to close in 2008. I decided to buy it and give it a go myself.  I loved the Experts and loved the administration side of the business so that was that. Luckily the Experts decided they wanted to continue working with me, and as a result, I have worked now with many of them for 18 years.

This sounds so simple but I can promise you it hasn’t been.  A few months into the business I called my friend to tell her that running a business wasn’t for me and that I just couldn’t do it.  She wisely told me to give it a few more weeks and here we are!  We’ve had four office moves, three of which were positive moves to accomodate the growing team, however, one was a downsize in 2013 when Legal Aid rates were cut significantly.  At this time, and for many months afterwards, Expert in Mind was hanging by a thread.  It was one of the most stressful times of my life.  But with the support of great people, hard work, flexibility, and determination not to fail, we survived; and have grown ever since.

[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/815271840″ align=”center”][vc_column_text]I can honestly say that running a business is not for the faint hearted but the rewards are incredible.  I am always so disappointed to hear about companies that don’t appreciate their staff, or to hear of staff that are miserable going to work – in fact I have been one of these people.  Therefore, with my own business, I wanted to make sure I created the opposite culture.  Every cog matters.  Everyone is different and should be appreciated for their unique skills and presence.  People who know they are valued, listened to and integral to the company give so much more.  It seems such a simple formula but one rarely used.

Our office is full of joy.  Its bright, colourful, lively and dynamic.  We do activities, we have office dogs, we take part in challenges together, we go to events together, we party together, we have an annual Easter Egg hunt (one of my favourite times of year – see the video for why!), we have a personal trainer who comes to the office once a week, and we work together and support each other. This positivity translates to the service we give and as a result we have a panel of highly skilled, loyal Experts.

On Friday 24th March 2023, we hosted an event to celebrate this milestone, attended by our Experts, VIP clients, and my wonderful team – all of who make Expert in Mind what it is. What a joy to be in a room of amazing people celebrating together.

So, I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU – to everyone who works with me, has supported me, listened to me and shared the highs and lows of Expert in Mind.  It means the world!

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The office of Expert in Mind becomes a donation centre

We have opened our office as a collection centre for essential items needed by the millions of Ukrainians who have been displaced by the Russian invasion.

We have been collecting for a few weeks and are so delighted by the support and donations we have received so far.  Our collection will end on 14th April 2022 when we will transport the donations to Poland.

Our collection flyer has been circulated among local schools, businesses and on social media.  If you are reading this article, please spread the word so we can help as many people as possible.

Items urgently needed are as follows:  (Items must be new, in date and unopened)

• Nappies and wet wipes
• Baby Food
• First Aid Kits, Painkillers
• Dog and cat food
• Torches and Batteries
• Sanitary towels
• Soap, flannels and sponges
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Deodorent and shampoo
• Razors and shaving cream
• Thermal clothes
• Blankets and sleeping bags

An issue very close to my heart – a little bit of history:

My father was born in Lviv, then Poland, in 1920

In September 1939 he had started attending medical school when he received a phone call from his father telling him to go home immediately as the oil refinery, of which his father was a director, and their home, had been bombed by the Germans and was on fire.

He rushed home and they ran into the burning house and managed to pack a suitcase of belongings.  My father, his sister and his parents, drove away from their home and headed into some woods where they hid for several weeks, living in the car.

On the 17^th September 1939, the Russians also invaded Poland.  Just before Christmas, his father, my grandfather, was arrested as a political prisoner.  A few months later, my dad was loaded onto a cargo train and taken to Siberia where he was put in a labour camp. Despite the horrors of this experience, my father managed to survive and escaped to England where he joined the Polish Air Force.

After the war, my father decided to continue his dream of becoming a doctor and was accepted to the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin on the proviso of achieving a minimum of 97% in all his exams, at the same time as learning English.  He succeeded and qualified, returning to England to practice as a GP and becoming the Principal Police Surgeon for East Sussex.

This is a very short version of the story.  But my father’s drive and determination to succeed has been an inspiration and is one of the reasons why my company has opened its doors as a donation centre.

Please drop into our office at High Weald House, Glovers End, Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex, TN39 5ES between 9am and 5pm, Monday-Friday if you would like to donate.  Or contact us for more information