Hi my name is Mike and I’m the Chester walk leader. I have been taking part in the Chester walks since the spring of 2022. It came about after my children left for university and my wife and I decided we would divorce. Overnight my world turned upside down and left me needing to rebuild. The Chester walks provide an opportunity to meet up with others and stay connected. They also provide an opportunity for mutual support where there is no judgement and a chance to be yourself. I was welcomed into the group by Mark the previous leader and I aim to offer the same warm and supportive welcome to anyone who would like to come along.
Hi, my name is Gareth and I joined the walk initially after seeing the Merthyr walk advertised on a local FB group. I enjoy walking and I go hiking quite often so I thought this would be ideal for me. I've struggled with my mental health in some form all my life leading up to me suffering a nervous breakdown 5 years ago. I have since recovered and I have gone on to help others in my role with a mental health charity. I have found that there's a lot of stigma around men just talking about their mental health especially in old industrial towns such as Merthyr Tydfil and I want to show that it's ok to break down those barriers and talk.
Hi, I’m Anthony. I’m 41, a husband and a dad, and I live and work in the North-East. By trade, I work in Learning & Development and I’m also a coach. But more importantly, I’m someone who’s seen first-hand how valuable it can be for men to have space to talk openly without pressure, judgement, or an agenda. Over the years I’ve navigated a few significant life challenges of my own, which have reinforced how important connection, perspective, and simply being able to speak honestly can be. This is especially the case for men who are used to getting their head down and thinking they should just battle on. I’m starting this Men Walking and Talking group because there isn’t currently one based centrally in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and I really believe there’s value in creating something local and accessible. These walks aren’t about fixing problems or giving advice. They’re about getting outside, walking side by side, and creating a relaxed space where conversation can happen naturally, or where silence is just as welcome. I’ll be there to facilitate the walk, help create a welcoming atmosphere, and make sure everyone feels comfortable. Nothing more complicated than that.
Hi, my name is Si and I am the walk leader for Crewe MWAT. Reason for the group, I've struggled with making friends as an adult male and also struggled with my physical health due to stomach issues and fibromyalgia. I quit drinking in 2012 and my social circle disappeared. I want to create something for men in my town that brings us together and gets us to help each other more. I love walking and used to hike miles in my youth so when I saw the success of MWAT in Sandbach I knew this was something I wanted to get involved in. I don't drive and therefore have no access to other groups near me, so I reached out to start one in Crewe. Thank you
Hi, my name is Jason and I am walk leader for this group. I work in the construction industry supply chain and in August 2023 found myself being made redundant, I felt low and unworthy but pushed on and was offered a new position days later. A month into new position guess what it happened again, twice in three months. Here’s where I changed, it absolutely battered me, could not get out of bed didn’t want to wake up and felt a let down to everyone around me. The thoughts I was having about not being here anymore just made it worse. I don’t have the strength to carry on, my thoughts turned to how I was going to end it all. I wasn’t me anymore and who would want me ( my thoughts ) I spoke with my wife about how I felt and she was basically on 24hr watch checking in on me throughout the day whilst I was at home, hiding all medications/tablets - anything that I could harm myself with. I eventually got another job which is my current job but I struggled to engage and be enthusiastic about it and anything else. My wife spoke to a friend about a MWAT group she had seen in Kenilworth and that I should go, that was a big fat no from me when my wife suggested it. Her friend then spoke to me directly and basically told me off, I then decided to go that week. Reluctantly, I turned up in the carpark and just sat there, the walk leader Mark looked over so I was kinda forced to get out. Here’s where my life changed. I walked up to Mark and he asked if I was Jason, I said I was and subsequently broke down in tears. We chatted and met some of the others and went on the walk. I have to say we spoke about completely random stuff as we walked around and I felt loads better. Mark and the group made me feel normal again. I took the plunge to go on the zoom call on a Tuesday, which at the time was hosted by Lee Anderson and again I broke down online in front of eight guys, I was a mess but Lee normalised these emotions and after the meeting he pointed me in the direction of the Lighthouse Charity for counselling. I have been attending the Kenilworth group for nearly a year and it has saved my life. I had some very difficult things to deal with but the whole MWAT community has helped me through it. I have recently completed the Mental Health First Aid course and am actively helping others, I now feel ready to give back. I could have just given up and not been here anymore but MWAT was there. I look forward to meeting you on the walk. Thank you 🙏
Hi, my name is Mark. I’ve lived in Highley since 2004 and grew up in and around the village. The scenery here is second to none, and it’s always felt like home. Like many men, I’ve been through some tough times myself and know what it’s like to feel low — and to find a way through. That’s why becoming a Walk Leader with Men Walking & Talking means a lot to me. My aim is simple: to help men walk, talk, and feel at ease. To offer empathy, support, and a space where we can look out for each other, especially when life gets difficult.
Hi, my name is Andy and I am the walk leader for Shrewsbury MWAT. After battling with mental health problems during and after my military career I found that talking to others about my problems really helped me. Due to the stigma attached to men talking about their problems I wanted to be part of the solution not the problem and joined the group. Helping others talk about their mental health issues helps me with mine and leaves me feeling positive that I have made a difference. In late 2023, I became a Director of Men Walking and Talking.
"Hi I am Martin, and a walk leader for the Penrith MWAT." I joined the Sandbach MWAT when it first started in Autumn 2024, and found that the simple act of meeting up with a group of gents, walking and talking for an hour each week benefited us all. I had been recommended by a friend to join, and so glad I did. I saw they were all over facebook promoting themselves and thought it was right up my street as is a more "casual" way to chat and get to know people than other mental health groups out there. No pressure to talk about anything specific, you can just talk about last weeks football, or what you did at the weekend, or just enjoy the walk. The support and encouragement from the guys is invaluable. I have had a number of mild mental health issues over the years, and just the act of walking and talking with a group of guys from different backgrounds and having a range of different issues proved massively helpful to us all. I have tried counsellors in the past, but in a way this works so much better, and they are real people, some who become real friends! I made a big life change in mid 2025, moving up to Cumbria, and was pleased to find a MWAT group in Penrith. If there wasn't one, I think I would have started one myself. Chris, who originally started the Penrith group asked if I would consider taking over the group to help it grow as he couldn't continue with it. I was more than happy to take what I had learnt from the guys in Sandbach and apply it here. I hope to grow the Penrith group, promote it, and help more guys benefit from what MWAT can give. This will be a new challenge, stepping up to lead a group. I hope it will continue to help me and many other men in the Penrith area, and will be proud to be an ambassador for MWAT!
Anthony is an RAF veteran having served 31 years. He was medically discharged following a diagnosis for PTSD. He uses sport and physical activity as part of his recovery process and coping strategy. He has competed at 2 Invictus Games and used this to raise awareness of mental health and in particular the support that is available.
Hi, my name is Neil and I am the walk leader for Worcester MWAT. I'm a married dad of two living in Worcester. Mental health has always been a topic of real importance to me and my family. I've spent nearly 10 years working in educational settings, supporting young people with their own challenges with mental health and, as brilliant as our educational system can be, it always felt as though there's never been enough to support men after they leave school. As someone who has had my own challenges with mental health it can be worrying difficult to find the right line of support but it's been a really amazing experience to see the positive impact these walks have.
NEW WALK STARTING FRIDAY 31st JULY 2026 Hi, I'm Niall, the Newcastle Walk Leader. I’m passionate about the positive impact that something as simple as walking and talking can have on our mental health and overall wellbeing. Having experienced and witnessed the benefits myself, I wanted to help create a space where men can come together, connect and support one another in a relaxed, informal setting. I believe there simply aren’t enough opportunities or activities for men to get involved in locally. Newcastle has the perfect setting with our beautiful promenade and it makes sense to make the most of it by creating a welcoming environment where conversations can happen naturally. The beauty of walking side by side is that there’s no pressure to sit face-to-face. It allows conversations to flow at your own pace, whether you want to chat, listen, or simply enjoy the walk. It’s about creating a sense of belonging, building friendships and reminding men that they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Our walks are open to all men (18+) from Newcastle and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re in recovery, feeling isolated, struggling with your mental health, looking to meet like-minded people, or simply fancy getting out for a walk and a bit of craic, you’ll be made very welcome. Sometimes, the first step really is the most important one.
Mens Network lists 295 groups for men interested in support across the UK. Each listing is a real group you can contact directly — some are beginner-friendly and welcome a turn-up trial session, others are established clubs for regulars.
Browse the groups above to find one that fits how you want to take part. Use the sort and view controls to reorder the list, and the related categories at the foot of the page to explore other ways men are connecting.
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