In episode 299 of The Just Checking In Podcast we checked in with Andrew Hill. Andy is is the Founder of UTurnBack2Basics. Based in Norfolk, Uturn creates outdoor experiences designed for people to reconnect with the fundamentals of life - self-awareness, survival skills, and personal growth. Their mission is to support individuals from all walks of life, with a strong focus on veterans and vulnerable individuals, helping them build resilience, develop essential skills, and rediscover a sense of purpose through the outdoors. Their workshops cover topics such as shelter building, campfire cooking, water purification, setting up camp, using varying types of equipment, hikes, groups, leadership skills, team building, retreat, and expeditions to build friendships. Andy served in the military and found peace and clarity in nature after leaving. UTB2B was built on the belief that outdoors has the power to heal. Having faced the challenges of adapting to a civilian life, Andy created this initiative to help others who may be struggling, providing a space where his clients can reconnect, rebuild, and move forward with confidence. In this episode, we discuss the genesis of Uturn, why he started it, the service it provides to men and women who access it and the various programmes it offers. We also discuss the trips they have done so far, including to the likes of Norway, Sweden, Normandy in France and upcoming trips to Malaysia and Poland. For Andy's mental health journey we discuss his diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), which developed after he had a serious fall and broke his neck and back. Two weeks after the accident, he began experiencing seizures, at its worst, 16 seizures a day. After doctors initially struggled to diagnose the problem, they concluded that the seizures were caused by suppressed trauma over his life, which caused his brain to shut down. He had to use a wheelchair for 18 months and was told he’d never walk or work again. Thankfully, he defied that prognosis and began to work on his physical and mental recovery. Unfortunately, during this time, he claims he was domestically abused by his partner. Then, in 2020, he was diagnosed for the first time with testicular cancer. He had surgery to remove one testicle and one bout of chemotherapy. Eight months later, he was diagnosed again with testicular cancer as the cancer had not been fully removed the first time. Then in December 2024, the cancer had spread into his lymph nodes and he received targeted chemo to treat them. When he was diagnosed with cancer the second time, he left that abusive relationship, despite knowing he’d be homeless, and still went through the cancer treatment for five months because he said he knew he’d be less vulnerable living on the streets than living in his home with his partner. He became suicidal and made plans to take his own life. He was just about to do it before something stopped him, and from there he began his recovery journey. We discuss all of these experiences, going through the family court system, recovery and how Uturn has been at the heart of that. As always, #itsokaytovent You can find out more about UTurnBack2Basics here: https://www.u-turnback2basics.co.uk/ You can follow them on social media below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uturnback2basics/ Support Us: Patreon: www.patreon.com/venthelpuk PayPal: paypal.me/freddiec1994?country.x=GB&locale.x=en_GB Merchandise: www.redbubble.com/people/VentUK/shop Music: @patawawa - Strange: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d70wfeJSEvk TRIGGER WARNING: this podcast contains a deep discussion about suicide, which some listeners may find distressing or upsetting, so please listen with caution.
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2025/08/1513 分