NEW WALK STARTING MONDAY 7th SEPTEMBER 2026 My name's Ben Francis, I’m a head of year in a school. I’ve spent the last year focusing on myself to become a better dad and husband. I recognise the challenges of being a man in today's society. I’ve have been part of a wider men's group collective from around the county and this has been pivotal in helping me reflect and grow. I want to be able to offer this more locally and build a community closer to home to support each other.
Hi, my name is Paul and I am the walk leader for the Falmouth MWAT group. I am ex military and have been a volunteer for Cornwall Search and Rescue Team. I am a keen outdoor enthusiast and walk leader for many years. I work for the National Trust and volunteer for the South west coast Path association and lead walks for both organisations. During the past two years I have been involved with several organisations who have clients with mental health issues and I have been taking them on guided walks. The walks don't really have to be all that long. It's all about getting people outside in nature and the fresh air, enjoying the scenery, talking and listening. I have really noticed a big difference in the groups since they started these walks. I am very passionate about mental health and encouraging men to speak openly about their experiences and challenges they have had. I saw MWAT on social media and thought it would be a great thing to start a group. I look forward to meeting you in Falmouth for a walk and talk. All the best Paul Onen Hag Oll
NEW WALK STARTING WEDNESDAY 22nd JULY 2026 Hi, I'm Clive, a certified NLP Practitioner, Coach, and Mental Health First Aider . I'm passionate about supporting men's wellbeing and creating a non-judgemental space where men can connect, talk, and support one another. Outside of work, I enjoy walking, hiking, and martial arts, and I understand the positive impact that getting outdoors and having good conversations can have on both mental and physical health. As a Men Walking and Talking Walk Leader, I look forward to welcoming men from all backgrounds to join us for a walk, a chat, and some fresh air.
Hi there, I'm Rajesh, the Walk Leader for Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire. My age has recently flipped into the next decade, and with that, thoughts and concerns plagued by many my age have surfaced. Growing up, I've always had a specific set of dreams and ambitions, with some reaching back to my twenties. Some however, still remain elusive, and with that, the weight of concern, negativity, and foreboding can feel like a real daily hurdle. I'm a compassionate person, so whenever I bump into someone that may mention similar worries and stresses, I find it difficult to listen to, and hard not to provide support so that they can recognise the best in themselves. We all have our own peculiar, and perhaps sometimes annoying traits (me included), but we also all have something to offer, not least to our closest inner circles. Over the past 10 years, I can feel how men's mental health is being given the airtime and focus that it should, but like other scenarios, sometimes the best people that understand you are those that are most like you. Bishop's Stortford is a typical commuter belt town, and the trains into London are probably packed with men that may be living the same pattern as me with similar challenges, hopes, and wishes. If you're in a place where you feel just being around other like-minded men may help, or you want to ask, vent or compare, or if you just want to get your daily steps in, then give the walk a try. I'm really looking forward to meeting you soon.
Hi, my name is Anthony and I am the Walk Leader for Great Ayton. I don’t have much of a story to tell when it comes to the reasons I’ve struggled with my mental health in the past. There's been no obvious triggers, no traumatic life events... just a quiet sadness that sometimes creeps over me, unannounced. I’ve hidden my struggles with my mental heath since being a teenager, from anxiety attacks to bouts of depression. I felt guilty for being sad or lonely when I "didn't have anything to be sad about". What I do know is that I usually struggle with it alone because I never found a way to share my feelings with the people around me. It’s often easier to share your struggles with a stranger than those you love. No matter how supportive our loved ones are, it can be easier to open up if there's no expectation, no pressure to be okay. Or maybe you don't feel like you have anyone to talk to. You feel lonely in a sea of strangers. I want to start a group so that every week, no matter what might have happened (or not happened), you can find people willing to listen or even just be another person to spend some time with for some quiet companionship. It’s very easy to feel isolated and alone so I want to be a friendly face for people who might just need that moment of connection or understanding.
My name is Dave, and I’m the walk leader for Sandbach, Cheshire. We started our walks in October 2023, and what began as a simple step forward became something far more powerful than I ever imagined. At the time, I needed support just as much as anyone else. Life had tested me, showing me how dark and isolated it can feel. But through walking and talking alongside other men, I found something different — I found light. I found understanding. I found strength in shared experience. I’ve watched the men who joined those early walks grow in confidence, stepping forward to lead walks themselves and support others — including me during my own difficult moments. That’s the power of men showing up for each other. It reminded me that even in isolation, we are never truly alone. Walking taught me to stop giving my energy to the negatives I cannot control, and instead focus on moving forward — even on the darkest days. Progress doesn’t require giant leaps. It starts with one step. One decision. One conversation. If you’re struggling, know this: there is strength in walking beside others who understand. There is hope in putting one foot in front of the other. It all starts with one step. Take it with us.
My name is Jason, I'm a local councillor and volunteer when I'm not working as a project manager/SysAdmin/Developer. Keeping busy is important to me. I run a Sunday litter picking group, I volunteer at parkrun on Saturday, and I work in the community with various groups. Being active, breathing in fresh air, getting some daylight, and talking to people are all good for mental health. That's what I want to encourage.
My name is Mike, I’m 28 and I’m the walk leader for MWAT Beeston and MWAT Long Eaton. After losing my dad in 2021, I struggled more than I ever admitted. I had grown up believing men should stay strong and keep things to themselves, so I bottled everything up until it became overwhelming. Finding a walking and talking group for men changed that. It showed me the power of simply being heard. Now, I want to help create spaces where men can talk openly, support each other, and know they are not alone.
Ash is an Armed forces veteran with a wealth of experience, an award winning welfare officer, mental health advocate, author, motivational speaker and adventurer, Ash works within the mental health field and is a mental health first aider, member of the institute of welfare and has numerous relevant qualifications. Ash is keen to grow the Hereford group and strives to help others with his lived experience of ill mental and physical health. In 2023, Ash became a Director of Men Walking and Talking.