The Listening Walk

This episode contains discussion of neurological conditions and may include moments of disjointed speech reflecting lived experience.Episode 6 — Donald: The Frustration of WordsAt Tonic Health in Surfleet, Fraser speaks with Donald, who is living with Parkinson’s and related cognitive challenges.As Donald describes his experience, he reflects on the frustration of losing words mid-sentence, the difficulty of holding conversations, and the emotional impact of not being able to express what you mean.The episode offers a powerful insight into how cognitive conditions affect communication — and highlights the importance of patience, understanding and safe spaces where people feel comfortable and heard.Through Donald’s story, we are reminded that being listened to is not a small thing — it is fundamental to dignity and connection.Themes in this episodeParkinson’s and cognitive challengesCommunication and frustrationMemory and identityBeing heard and understoodSafe and supportive environmentsAbout the projectThe Listening Walk is an audio documentary exploring mental health in rural Lincolnshire.Walking between wellbeing hubs across South East Lincolnshire, Fraser McGruer records conversations with people he meets along the way — creating a portrait of how individuals and communities navigate mental health challenges.CreditsProduced and recorded by Fraser McGruer.

Episode 5 — Michael: Memories and MusicInside Tonic Health in Surfleet, Fraser meets Michael, a member of the dementia support group.As they talk, Michael reflects on childhood memories in rural Devon, his love of walking and conversation, and the role music played in his younger years as a self-described “Teddy boy”.The episode offers a glimpse into memory, identity and connection — showing how past experiences continue to shape the present, even as dementia begins to affect everyday life.Through Michael’s warmth and openness, we are reminded of the importance of community, shared experience and simple human interaction.Themes in this episodeDementia and identityMemory and nostalgiaMusic and youth cultureCommunity and conversationAgeing and reflectionAbout the projectThe Listening Walk is an audio documentary exploring mental health in rural Lincolnshire.Walking between wellbeing hubs across South East Lincolnshire, Fraser McGruer records conversations with people he meets along the way — creating a portrait of how individuals and communities navigate mental health challenges.CreditsProduced and recorded by Fraser McGruer.

Episode 4 — Jane: Caring for OthersFraser joins Jane and a dementia support group for a walk in the woods near Tonic Health in Surfleet.As they walk together, Jane reflects on her experience as a volunteer and the impact of caring for others. She speaks about the challenges faced by people living with dementia, and the often unseen pressures on their carers.The conversation explores how small acts of care — a walk, a conversation, a few hours of respite — can make a meaningful difference, not only for those being supported, but for those offering that support.Through Jane’s perspective, the episode also reveals how helping others can bring clarity, balance and a renewed sense of purpose in one’s own life.Themes in this episodeDementia and community supportThe role of carersVolunteering and purposeRespite and wellbeingPerspective and gratitudeAbout the projectThe Listening Walk is an audio documentary exploring mental health in rural Lincolnshire.Walking between wellbeing hubs across South East Lincolnshire, Fraser McGruer records conversations with the people he meets along the way — creating a portrait of how individuals and communities navigate mental health challenges.CreditsProduced and recorded by Fraser McGruer.

This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse and mental health that some listeners may find distressing.Episode 3 — Mary: A Place to Feel SafeAt Tonic Health in Surfleet, Fraser meets Mary, who shares her experiences of childhood trauma and the long-term impact it has had on her mental health.In this conversation, Mary speaks with honesty and clarity about the challenges she has faced — and the things that help her cope. From the importance of trusted relationships and safe community spaces, to the role of creativity in managing anxiety, her story offers insight into both vulnerability and resilience.The episode also explores how everyday practices — like crafting — can provide structure, focus and relief, and how small, supportive environments can make a significant difference.Themes in this episodeChildhood trauma and recoveryTrust and vulnerabilitySafe community spacesCreativity and mental wellbeingManaging anxietyAbout the projectThe Listening Walk is an audio documentary exploring mental health in rural Lincolnshire.Walking between wellbeing hubs across South East Lincolnshire, Fraser McGruer records conversations with people he meets along the way — creating a portrait of how individuals and communities navigate mental health challenges.CreditsProduced and recorded by Fraser McGruer.

Episode 2 — Kenny: Walking with a FriendFor the first leg of The Listening Walk, Fraser is joined by a friend from Spalding Water Polo Club.As they walk through farmland along the River Glen towards the village of Surfleet, Kenny reflects on growing up in Spalding, treasured childhood memories and a difficult period in his adult life when his marriage broke down.The conversation turns to friendship, vulnerability and the importance of having people to talk to during difficult times.Kenny describes how sport, community and long-standing friendships helped him navigate one of the toughest periods of his life — and why no one is as unbreakable as they might think.Themes in this episodeFriendship and mental healthMale vulnerabilityThe role of sport and communityChildhood memoriesSupport networks during difficult timesAbout the projectThe Listening Walk is an audio documentary exploring mental health in rural Lincolnshire.Photographer and filmmaker Fraser McGruer walks across South East Lincolnshire, recording conversations with the people he meets along the way — sometimes in community hubs, sometimes entirely by chance.Together these encounters form a portrait of how people navigate trauma, resilience and care within rural communities.CreditsProduced and recorded by Fraser McGruer.

Episode 1 — A Policeman in the FieldThis is the first episode of The Listening Walk, an audio documentary project exploring mental health in rural Lincolnshire.Setting out near the village of Surfleet in the Fens, Fraser McGruer begins a journey walking between community wellbeing hubs across South East Lincolnshire. Along the way he records conversations with people he meets — about their lives, their struggles, and the things that help them keep going.In this opening episode, a chance encounter leads to a conversation with Martin, a police officer working in the area. As they stand in a field beside the road, Martin reflects on the emotional realities of policing — from traumatic incidents and sudden deaths to the importance of talking openly with colleagues and family.What begins as a casual meeting becomes an unexpectedly honest discussion about trauma, resilience and the value of human connection.Themes in this episodeMental health in frontline servicesPTSD and policingMale friendship and supportTalking openly about traumaChance encounters and human connectionAbout the projectThe Listening Walk follows a walking journey across South East Lincolnshire. Moving between towns and villages in the Fens, the project records conversations with people encountered along the way — in community hubs, cafés, and sometimes simply by chance.Together these voices form a portrait of how people navigate mental health challenges within rural communities.CreditsProduced and recorded by Fraser McGruer.New episodes will be released regularly as the walk continues across Lincolnshire.