A mental health charity that organises regular walks for men in an attempt to alleviate loneliness has expanded to Sheffield.
Men living in the city are encouraged to take part and discuss any issues or problems they may have with the walk leaders and fellow walkers.
The first event on Sunday will start at the entrance to Whiteley Woods and will go up to Forge Dam and back, taking approximately an hour.
MenWalkTalk was founded in 2020 in Sussex and has since set up regular walking groups across the UK, with the majority in the South.
In a society where three-quarters of deaths by suicide are men, it has never been so important for men of all ages to speak out about their mental health. This was the reasoning behind the establishment of MenWalkTalk as a charity.
Founder and CEO Matt Pollard, 30, of West Sussex said: “There is a real need to promote a positive change in attitudes to men’s mental health issues. We want to engage with more men, sharing the positive message and encouragement about speaking up and talking to other like-minded men when they feel the need to express their thoughts.
“I feel it is important for men, of all ages, to begin to feel more comfortable opening up and engaging with other men.”
Matt found out about the benefits of walking and exercise when he was experiencing mental health problems in his own life.
“I realised that getting outdoors for me was important for my own mental well-being. I decided to get involved in a new challenge that would hopefully encourage me to get outdoors more.
“I joined the Samaritans ‘Samarathon’ challenge and noticed a huge improvement immediately in my mood, my productivity at work and a sense of positivity in the situations I faced, full of hope for a better future.”
The walk is open to all men regardless of their age, background, or walking ability.
The first walk takes place this Sunday and participation is completely free. Those wanting to join in should meet at 10am at the entrance of Whiteley Woods.
For more details and information on future walks, or to donate, visit www.menwalktalk.co.uk or @menwalktalk on all social media.