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 Words At 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...

Episode 5 — Michael: Memories and Music Inside 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 ho...

Episode 4 — Jane: Caring for Others Fraser 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 a...

This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse and mental health that some listeners may find distressing. Episode 3 — Mary: A Place to Feel Safe At 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...

Episode 1 — A Policeman in the Field This 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 live...

Episode 2 — Kenny: Walking with a Friend For 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 frien...