Hi, my name is Stuart and I am the Walk Leader for Port Solent. Having suffered from mental health issues myself and feeling isolated, I was in a position where I didn’t want to talk in groups and shut myself away. I worked hard within myself to regain confidence to express my feelings and emotions to the point where I started to look for groups that I could attend. Having searched the internet it was great to see so many groups that help and support mental health and that’s where I stumbled across MWAT. Reading further I was inspired to get involved as there are no walk locations within my area and like myself, I’m sure there are others that feel alone, would like to start to socialise but may not be ready to openly talk about their mental health. Tim Skinner (The Apprentice) also gave me some inspiration to actively give some time to others as he has and is doing similar walks.
NEW WALK STARTING THURSDAY 16th JULY 2026 I’m Dan, 51, a husband and proud dad to two grown‑up humans (and one not‑so‑grown‑up, four‑legged companion!). I’m someone who enjoys being active, especially running and walking—ideally out in the hills, where fresh air and open space seem to bring a sense of perspective. I’m leading this walking group because I believe in the simple but powerful benefit of walking and talking together. Life isn’t always straightforward – I lost my dad to suicide and have faced my own difficult periods too. Those experiences have shown me just how important connection, openness, and shared understanding can be. This group isn’t about pressure or expectations. It’s about creating a relaxed, supportive space where men can come together, be themselves, and feel part of something. You can chat if you want to, share what’s on your mind, or simply enjoy the walk alongside others without saying much at all. Sometimes the most valuable thing is just being there – side by side, getting outside, and knowing you’re not alone. Whether you come for the conversation, the company, or just the walk, you’re very welcome.
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 Olly and I'm the Stourport leader of MWAT. I first became aware of MWAT via Facebook in winter 2022 as it sparked interest due to my mental health background and my hobby of walking. I have been involved with the Stourport walk since then and have thoroughly enjoyed making friendships from the group. As my daytime job is being a mental health practitioner, along with the joy of listening to people's stories, I thought MWAT was a great fit to me during my spare time. I am big into the outdoors and walking, so if you have a story to share, I'd be more than up to listening to it. I look forward to seeing you
Steve and Kevan are the walk leaders for Stratford. Bio for Steve. I work full time in adult social care and part-time for a few hours a week in the evenings and weekends doing support work. I’ve experienced my own mental health challenges and low points in my life particularly when going through difficult times including divorce, breakdown of relationships, losing my job, being unemployed, losing both my parents and a cancer diagnosis and treatment. I’ve also experienced the challenges poor mental health brings in both a close family and professional capacity, so I think it’s fair to say I’ve a good and varied understanding of it’s devastating and debilitating effects. Whenever I did hit a low mood, people close to me, especially partners, would often ask me “has something happened?” and “what exactly is getting you down?” to which the answer often was “no, nothing specific” and “I’ve absolutely no idea”! From nowhere the dark clouds and low mood would descend and I’d find myself in a dark place where every issue/problem in my life would overwhelm me. It took a while to find what works for me to combat the demons, but I’m now a big believer in self-help strategies and getting yourself out there, sharing your story and experiences with good people who are prepared to listen, learning from others and making positive changes in your life, however small and insignificant they might seem at the time. My philosophy is one day at a time and one brick at a time! Like others, having seen the growth in popularity of the Men Walking And Talking movement on Facebook, I reached out to Mark, one of the walk leaders and directors of MWAT, to ask if we could look into starting a group in Stratford-upon-Avon, the idea being to share this opportunity to other local men that perhaps have either not seen or been able to attend the other local groups for whatever the reason. A few months later after meeting Mark and Guy at the Warwick group, here we are, ready and raring to go! Please come and join us if you can; let’s walk, talk and support each other as well as ourselves! Bio for Kevan. I'm a retired project manager and aspiring author, recently returned to my hometown of Stratford after 23 years in Ottawa, Canada. I came back to reconnect with my family and rediscover my roots — I missed the place. I've lived with depression most of my life, though many wouldn’t know it. I became skilled at hiding it. My mental health struggles began around age five, when school bullying — physical and emotional — took its toll. That trauma made it hard to form friendships or consider relationships. I focused instead on work and stayed single, burying my pain. Over time, I made friends through work, but depression would still return in waves. During the darkest times, I’d isolate, using drugs or alcohol to numb the pain, pushing even family away. Things worsened after my mother passed from cancer — I came close to giving up entirely. A close friend from school helped pull me back from that edge, and I began to consider a future again. That’s when I moved to Canada — a chance to reset. My loved ones didn’t fully understand, but they hadn’t seen the struggle behind my smile. Canada offered a fresh start. I built a career, started my first relationship, and found some peace. But eventually, cracks appeared again. After a failed relationship and a deep spiral, I realized I needed help. Therapy was tough — it took four therapists and three years to find the right one. But it changed my life. Even after returning to the UK, we still talk regularly. With time, I began to unpack my past and reshape how I cope. Looking to connect locally, I discovered Men Walking and Talking (MWAT). I was nervous at first, but the group welcomed me warmly. I've attended weekly for five months now, and it’s made a real difference. I’ve made new friends and found a safe space to walk, talk, or just be. Please come along — connect with others, support your mental well-being, and enjoy the beauty of Stratford.
Hi, my name is Neil and I am the Walk Leader for Wells. I joined the Wells group in its first few weeks after my wife saw a social media post about it. The main reasons for me joining were driven by anxiety issues that I have suffered following some health problems, and also, as an opportunity to step off the daily treadmill of work, kids, domestic chores, sleep, and repeat!! The wells group has grown over the 19 or so months it’s been running and I am very proud to be part of something so amazing!!!
My name is Ashley and I am the Walk Leader for Scarborough. After seeing a Men Walking And Talking group featured on the BBC, it was clear there was a real need to create something similar here in Scarborough. Through our family businesses at Stepney Hill Farm, we have supported many local groups and charities over the years. Our community gardens and the Stepney Hill Eco Project — delivered in conjunction with local veterans — have brought lasting benefits to a wide range of organisations. These include local junior schools and Woodland Academy, who regularly access the gardens and farm for educational visits throughout the year, learning about food, farming, and the environment. More recently, we have expanded this support by working with Gladstone Road Junior School and Woodland Academy to provide residential stays alongside farm tours and “field to fork” learning experiences. The Men Walking And Talking group is a natural and important extension of this community work. Creating a safe, welcoming space for men to walk, talk, and connect — especially in the evenings — plays a vital role in supporting mental health and wellbeing. This isn’t just a walk. It’s a weekly space to look forward to, to meet new people, build friendships, support one another, and remind ourselves that we don’t have to carry everything alone.
NEW WALK STARTING WEDNESDAY 11th MARCH 2026 We are Ian & Terry and we are the co-leads for the Cheltenham Men Walking & Talking Group. Our interest in men’s wellbeing comes from lived experience rather than theory. Mental health and emotional struggle have been part of our personal and professional journeys in different ways, and we’ve both seen how easily men can end up carrying heavy things quietly. Through family experiences, work, business, and life more broadly, we’ve learned that many men don’t lack strength, they lack space. Space to slow down, to be heard, or simply to be alongside others without pressure to explain or perform. Life can look fine on the outside while feeling very different on the inside. We don’t believe men need fixing or ready-made answers. We believe that some of the most important conversations happen side-by-side, outdoors, at walking pace. Sometimes talking helps. Sometimes listening helps. Sometimes just turning up is enough. Together, we co-host the Cheltenham Men Walking and Talking group. Our aim is simple: to create relaxed, welcoming walks where men can show up as they are, connect with others, and not feel they have to carry things alone.
Hi, m y name is Barry and I am 44 years old and I am the Walk Leader for the Paisley Walk For the last 13 years I have had my issues leading to mental health problems. I’m twice divorced which really started it all for me and losing my dog of nearly 14 years and 2 close family members in the last 2 years has brought its struggles. I grew up loving football, watching and playing whenever I could. This was my happy place. But I found myself unable to get out the house to go a play amateur or even 5 a sides with friends. I was hugely frustrated at the gym. Getting out a walk by myself or with a friend or two really helped me take a breath and take a look at what was going on for me. I was lucky enough to work on a project that encouraged getting out into the outdoors to help build relationships within families, confidence and skill levels in children young people and adults and improving the mental health and wellbeing. Glencoe is my happy place but just a wander locally works a treat for me too. I made the move to start this group in Paisley because I believe it could work for so many men here. The west side of Scotland, men are notorious for keeping it in and just getting on with it. My aim is to build a safe community for men to come along and have a general chat, or get some things off their chest or just come along for the walk and get outside for a bit. Look forward to bide oot with you.
Hi, my name is Barry Ward. I am a 55-year-old engineer. After nearly three decades as a Scout Leader and nine years guiding young people through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, I stepped away from volunteering when I moved to Dorset in 2020 to start a new chapter in my life. Settling into rural life, I found a new sense of purpose with the National Coastwatch Institution, training as a watchkeeper and qualifying in April 2024. That same year, I experienced the devastating loss of a dear friend to suicide. At his funeral, one phrase echoed throughout the conversations: "I wish he had just talked to me." His passing was a painful reminder of the importance of open and honest conversations among men—of creating spaces where struggles can be shared and burdens can be lightened. As the anniversary of his death approached, I came across a Men Walking and Talking social media post, and it immediately resonated. It struck me that, despite its reach, there were no MWAT groups in Dorset. A conversation with Dan led to the decision to set one up. Now, this group will provide a welcoming space for men in the area to walk, talk, and support one another—because no one should ever feel alone in their struggles. Join us as we take those first steps together
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.
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