Hi, I’m Nav, and I am the Walk Leader for Bradford’s Men Walking and Talking Group. I started the Bradford group because I believe every man deserves a safe space to take a breather, share what’s on his mind, and know he’s not alone. Mental Health can be tough to talk about, but walking side by side makes those conversations a little easier. I’m not here as a counsellor or therapist, I’m here as a fellow man who knows the importance of connection, fresh air, and honest conversation. My role is to guide our walks, make sure everyone feels welcome, and keep the group supportive and respectful. This group is for men of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re struggling, looking to connect, or just want to get out for a walk with good company, you’ll be met with understanding and encouragement. Together we walk, we talk, and we remind each other that it’s okay to open up because taking care of our mental health is a strength, not a weakness.
Hello, my name is Greg and I am leader of the Telford Walk alongside Andrew. I first found MWAT in October 2021. On the first walk I found it really helpful that someone listened. In April 2022 I lead my first walk. After being saved by the NHS in Mid 2014. This allowed me to see that humanity and people make the difference. Following my own battles with Mental Health. I know how much listening, caring, and allow men to have a space where is no judgement is vital for our community and myself. Interests : I love music all different genres, I am big sports fan, and I support people in my community. What do you get out of it? I am proud to know that I am helping break the stigma around mens mental health. Reducing suicide risks. Helping people with conversation finding friends in my community. When I was asked to do the walk on my own I was in tears as it’s something I enjoy greatly. Just want to make myself and my family proud. Hello, my name is Andrew and alongside my colleague, Greg Ward, we co-Lead the Telford walk on Friday evenings. I had seen Men Walking and Talking on Facebook and followed its progress but I didn't have the courage and conviction to join a session until I had a lightbulb moment that I was not going to feel any better without talking to someone / anyone / like minded men who weren't going to shout or judge. I felt at ease speaking about some of my issues/problems/worries/intrusive thoughts that had impacted my Mental Health/my everyday life/my sleep patterns. Men listened to me and offered suggestions and help. I was no longer alone. Some men may have / had bigger problems but your fears and feelings are valid, they are valid to you. Over time I was encouraged to become a regular attendee which was then followed by becoming Deputy and then Co-Leader. Interests: Promote self-care/being kind to yourself and others. Reading and watching programmes on physical and mental health. Competitions / quizzes / journaling / scrapbooking / collaging. Watching football and wrestling. DDPYogee. What do I get out of it? Loads. Chance to be me, chance to become a leader and gain self-respect, focus and purpose, growth, development which felt lost in previous times especially during the bleak times before and since the pandemic. I share best practices and like learning from others. Meeting new people (Leaders / attendees of other Groups) like minded volunteers. Being able to pay back and pay forward with the Charitable contributions we do. Being part of a group for good times and bad, lifting men up, rather than kicking them when they are down. Giving men hope / a voice / a chance to be better and make a difference, that they matter and do contribute and are worthy. Chance to be creative in how you get attention to/fundraising for the Group.
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, my name is Mark and I am the walk leader for the Kenilworth group of MWAT. Having dealt with my own mental health struggles in 2019, I recognise how vitally important groups like this can be. This group has been running since September 2022, meeting every week for a relaxed one hour walk at a steady pace. There’s no agenda, no pressure – just a group of blokes getting together for a stroll and a chat. There is often a perception that if you come along on our walks that you have to talk about your mental health, I can promise you that this isn't the case. Conversation is different every week, sometimes light and cheery and sometimes life's ups and downs. Either way, it’s a supportive, safe space where all men are welcome, whether you want to open up or just enjoy a bit of company. We are very lucky in Kenilworth in that we have some wonderful walking routes that vary through the seasons, walking around Kenilworth Castle and the surrounding fields, a stroll along Kenilworth Greenway or just a wander around the town itself. I work as an engineer in Leamington and enjoy weekends away in my camper van. The outdoors are a huge part of my life and I enjoy hiking and getting into the Mountains of Wales. In December of 2022 I was honoured to be made a Director of Men Walking and Talking. I look forward to seeing you on a walk soon. Thank you
Hi, my name is Kameron and I am the walk leader for this group. Due to going through a lot in life from birth to adulthood, instead of it eating me up and destroying my mind, I chose to use it to support and help others within my job and my personal life. I also run a talking group locally for men in my area and so because of it all, I get a lot by doing what I do by helping and listening to others.
My name’s Daniel, and becoming a Walk Leader for this group means a lot to me personally. Over the years I’ve faced my own battles with mental health, grief, and rebuilding my life after coming out of abusive and toxic relationships. Those experiences left me dealing with C-PTSD, and there were times where I felt completely lost trying to find myself again and move forward. A huge part of my journey has also been grief. Losing my grandparents quite close together hit me hard, especially because they were so much more than grandparents to me — they were my best friends, my support system, and a massive part of who I am. Around the same time, the breakdown of my relationship with my daughter’s mum completely changed my life, too. Becoming a part-time dad after always imagining a different future is something I still struggle with, and at times it can feel like I’m grieving a life and dream that keeps getting further away. But through all of that, I’ve learned how important it is for men to speak, connect, and know they’re not alone. I’m not ashamed of my story, because the reality is many men silently carry trauma, heartbreak, grief, and pressure every single day. That’s why I wanted to become involved with this walking group — to help create a safe, judgement-free space where men can talk openly, support each other, and simply walk alongside people who understand. Sometimes a conversation, a bit of honesty and knowing someone genuinely gets it can make all the difference.
Hi, I’m Faz, 45 years old and I am the Walk Leader for this group Born and raised in Nuneaton. Although I’ve had the opportunity to live in other places, I eventually returned to Nuneaton to be closer to family and friends. After a few years on my own and purchasing my own home, I met someone and got married. I spent 16 years working for West Midlands Ambulance Service, starting in patient transport, then moving to high dependency care, and eventually working on the frontline of emergency services. Currently, I work for local government, where I’m part of a team that helps people live independently by providing home adaptations. Over the years, I’ve faced my own mental health challenges, particularly after the loss of my mum, which brought on periods of anxiety and depression. I eventually sought help and began therapy, which was a crucial step in my journey. More recently, following the breakdown of my 9-year marriage and the process of rebuilding my life, I’ve become increasingly focused on mental health—both my own and that of others. Through my experiences at work and in my personal life, I’ve come to see just how vital mental health is. A friend and manager introduced me to MWAT (Men Walking and Talking), and the idea instantly resonated with me. When I realised there wasn’t a local group in my area, I decided to step up as a walk leader, creating a space where men who might feel isolated or simply enjoy the outdoors could connect. At MWAT, you’re welcome to walk, talk, listen, or simply be in the company of like-minded men.
Hi I’m Steve the walk leader of the Nantwich MWAT group. I took up the opportunity to become walk leader when Gary May (former leader) relocated to another part of the country. This group was formed as the start of 2025 and we now have many regular walkers and always welcome new walkers. It is such a great way to start the week, meeting up with the guys and having a chat about anything we like in a safe space. During lockdown I discovered the health benefits of being outdoors walking and cycling, and I like to use my local knowledge to plan a variety of different routes each week. I have faced a number of mental health battles over the years, and I know how valuable it is to have a strong support network to be successful in beating whatever life throws at us I look forward to meeting you on one of our walks and hearing your stories.
Hi, I’m Danny, welcome to Solihull's Men Walking and Talking. I’m 41 years old, a Dad of 1 and have been living in Shirley for the last few years. I wanted to join MWAT as I’ve had my own challenges with mental health over the years which I’m not afraid to talk about. Following a divorce 10 years ago, things hit me hard so I, like many, have had my fair share of ups and downs since. I’ve been a qualified coach for around 20 years, I lead, manage and motivate teams for a living, completed my Mental Health First Aid course and am utterly fascinated with the influencing the mind. I volunteer for the RAF where I support their veterans combat loneliness, so I’m looking forward to meeting you to chat about life and all the curve balls we get thrown our way. I've been running this group since October 2024 and it's been one of the best things I've ever done in my adult life. The rise in popularity has been incredible, the togetherness and bond of our brotherhood has been phenomenal to see form and development of individuals in the group has made it all worthwhile. Our unit has gotten so popular that we not only have broken the national record on several occasions, that we have now expanded to operating on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. To say I'm proud of our squad, is massively undervaluing the movement we are doing for mens health in Solihull! We look forward to seeing you soon. 💪 Together, Stronger 💪 Hi, I'm James! I'm forty-something with a wife, 2 children and a puppy. For work I'm a customer manager, but also a trained Mental Health First Aider, so this is an initiative that's important to me to support. In a previous career, I used to support long-term unemployed deal with their blockers and ultimately find new employment opportunities. Over the years, I had my own personal battles with depression, grief, marital and parenting struggles! I think my life experiences allow me to listen without judgement and share those experiences with others as appropriate. I joined the Solihull MWAT group on their second week, after several heavy nudges from my wonderful wife. I was struggling in the months leading up to it, and felt depression might be setting in again. Joining the group sorted me right out within weeks. I think it proved to me that an hour a week walking and talking to others made a World of difference. I'm now the Solihull walk leader deputy, predominantly on the weekly walk on Thursdays, to ensure others can get the benefit I've received.... So, come along and let's have a chat 😉
Hi, my name is Jamie, and I'm the walk leader for Lincoln. Where mental health is concerned, It's often difficult for men to be honest about needing help or even knowing how to go about getting it. Often, simply being able to open up to someone about your struggles can be incredibly helpful. Sometimes, merely verbalising the issue to a sympathetic ear can provide perspective and reassurance. We can find it difficult to do this as men, because we have learned that suffering in silence is a key part of masculinity. This is nonsense, and only serves to harm us. If you feel that you could benefit from taking part in a gathering of like-minded lads that shares their experiences and supports each other, then come on down! We'll talk, we'll walk (not up steep hill!), and have a jolly old time.