We create supportive communities through the simple act of walking and talking together

The idea for Walk N Talk for Mental Health first came to me during lockdown in
December 2020. I had recently come out of a long-term relationship and was walking to heal a broken heart, when I realised I was surrounded by many other people walking for their own reasons. It was so cathartic talking to others and sharing stories, and as restrictions lifted the idea of group walking grew out of the surreal world of meeting in “bubbles”. The name came to me when, one day (despite particularly bad weather), I put my wellies on and went for a walk in the pouring rain, just to get all my feelings out – and it was like a lightbulb moment. We had almost taken it for granted before the pandemic, and coming out the other side everyone was more aware of how much they valued connecting with other people. It’s the most unexpected thing I’ve learned from this experience – to never take anything for granted!

The over-arching mission of the charity is to normalise conversations around mental health. When I first announced the name, I was challenged about using the phrase “mental health”. There was a feeling people would shy away from it, but it’s
particularly important to me to encourage these conversations no matter how difficult they may be. Part of the reason for setting up the charity was because of my own mental health challenges; I felt for a long time that I didn’t have a voice or the confidence to talk about mental health, or even that anyone would want to hear me talk about it. It was vital for me to find my voice and then use it to help others.

The hope is that we reach others who also feel like they don’t have a voice, or need
additional confidence and support to reach their potential. The best part of the work is meeting people on the walks who are maybe unsure of why they’re there, trying to find the answer to a question they don’t even know to ask. Sometimes I see them realise, even on the same day, that everything is going to be OK and they’re not alone. I always make sure to attend the walks regularly because they’re so humbling – I think “this is why I do it”!

The dream for Walk N Talk for Mental Health going forward is to encourage more
people to attend our existing walks and more walk leaders to join us, so that we can take the solid blueprint for change we’ve built and roll it out to other areas. We’re working to align ourselves with the NHS 10-Year Health Plan to move more to community-centred care, and we believe people with lived experience of mental health challenges are best placed to inform these planned care packages. We also want to work more with businesses, providing coaching and resources to build mental strength.

The ultimate goal is to influence the language and conversations around mental
health, and positively shape the user experience through authentic, people-first
approaches. We are not just a charity, we are a movement!

Our walks

We Walk N Talk in all weathers for around 45 minutes. Our walks are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level or walking experience.

Each walk is led by a qualified Mental Health First-Aider who creates a welcoming and supportive environment. There’s no pressure to talk about anything specific – conversations flow naturally as we enjoy the surroundings.

The combination of gentle exercise, fresh air, and supportive conversation has proven benefits for mental wellbeing. Many of our regular walkers report improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of community connection.

Let’s talk

Is it really OK not to be OK?

Not only is it OK to not feel ‘OK’ – it is essential. An atypical emotional response to an abnormal situation is normal.

We should let ourselves, and other people in our lives, feel these things as they come up — which may be more than usual right now.

Normalise conversations about mental health

That is all any of us really need. People who are willing to listen – not judge, as well as offer a safe space to open up in and the chance to hear that someone else might be feeling what we’re feeling. Together, that support makes mental illness far less lonely. Less shameful. Less taboo. Experiencing mental ill health shouldn’t make you feel any of those things.

Stop Stigma, it all starts with you

So if you’re not comfortable talking about anxiety, depression, OCD, panic attacks, bi-polar, eating disorders, post-natal depression, or anything else that falls under the vast umbrella of mental health, don’t worry.

Nobody is to begin with. It is an uncomfortable, difficult subject. The fact is: it shouldn’t be. And, it’s only going to become less difficult if people stand up and say: