As winter looms for another year it can be a very hard time of year for people to get out and about- but there is a charity that is there to help you do just that.
MenWalkTalk is a national charity run by volunteers and is designed to help males who suffer with mental health problems to open up and have a voice while also enjoying group walks.
Statistics show that one in eight males experience common mental health problems but 40 per cent do not talk about it due to the stigma or that it shows weakness and suicide is the biggest cause of death for men aged under 50 in England and Wales.
Administrator Kathy Lanigan said: This is notoriously a difficult time of year for anyone struggling with life laundry but we have a Christmas campaign coming up soon.”
We encourage everyone to take the wins wherever they find them
Kathy Lanigan
As the days become shorter and the weather worsens it can make walking harder and less enjoyable but Kathy praised the walk leaders for their continued commitment.
She said: “Our intrepid walk leaders carry on and we see that many of our attendees find that overcoming the urge to stay at home is in itself a win.”
As well as having a safe space to talk walking is also very good for physical health and can encourage healthy behaviours and no matter what age or location MenWalkTalk want every male a space to talk.
Kathy added: “We want everyone to take the wins wherever they find them.”
There are two walks happening soon in Nottinghamshire – one in Bestwood Park on Sunday 2 November at 11am and another at Vicars Water Country Park, Mansfield on Saturday November 8 at 10am
Statistics also show that eight million males in the UK said they feel lonely at least once a week with older males, divorced males and widows said to be at the highest risk but men aged between 16-24 are more likely to report feeling lonely.
If you are feeling down and are struggling over the winter you are not alone and it is always a massive step to talk to people but MenWalkTalk will openly listen and help people connect across the local community.
Studies indicate a link between walking and anxiety/depression as walking can release endorphins that promote a sense of calm and ease.
Physical activity has a link to enhancing self-esteem which can help people feel better about themselves.
