For as long as I can remember, I've always been a very active person. Growing into the later stages of my teens and throughout my 20's, I used to DJ, run a radio show, have a record label and travel the world to festivals and clubs. As I've gotten older, naturally, this becomes a less appealing lifestyle (aside from the festivals) and so entering my late 30's and then my 40's – All this energy was going to waste and the knowledge I built up around marketing and promoting was sat dormant.

I remember a couple of years ago saying to a friend "I need a hobby, something that is going to challenge me but also serves a purpose."

A tough breakup and a ropey year which included a redundancy, major burnout and financial worries led me to Men Walking and Talking. What started out as finding ways to help myself eventually cured my need to remain active, promote something I was passionate about and help other people in the process.

There was a lot of uncertaintity when I launched the group back in October 2024; I had no idea if anyone would turn up for the first one, I had no idea how the general public would take to it. I was unsure if my social media campaign would work, and I was bemused whether all these random strangers would eventually bond and form a solid unit of support and solace.

It couldn't have turned out better!

Week after week I arrived at the gates, regardless of the weather. Week after week, more men kept turning up! We started with a strong contingent of regulars, with a dozen or so returning on rotation, and by month three we could guarantee between 8 and 12 new people every week. Our WhatsApp group grew, the passion within the ranks enhanced with it, and by the time we were 6 months old, we had broken the national attendance record three times.

While I am incredibly proud of the numbers, they are also incredibly important. Each person that joins us, generally has family and friends who support and love them. Unfortunately, if someone has joined us for exercise, companionship or even a more challenging health reason... there is someone within their inner circle who cares and worries for them.

While we may have, 50.... 60 gents out each week, multiply this by the amount of people that care for these men, and that's how many lives we're improving!

We started the walks with some heavy, intense "mental health" discussions, which over time we realised that to improve your wellbeing, you just need to do the basics – Have a man-chat, gets some exercise, fresh air doing your head wonders and being surrounded by nature will automatically improve your outlook on life. Today, you will see our contingent laughing and joking with each other, more than consoling upset eyes.

While we may not be qualified professionals, what we lack in certificates, we make up for in experience! To a person who is battling a tough divorce, there is nothing more relieving to hear "I've been there mate" and embracing the advice provided by your partnered walker. To someone dealing with anxiety, hearing others talk about their coping mechanisms and giving first world experience, could be the tool you need to help combat your own personal challenge. To be walking side by side with someone who supports the same football team as you, going into detail about the up's and down's of the club... makes you express the anger and hope that comes with the beautiful game.

And why does all this work? Because a lot of people go through the same stuff... they've just not met them yet. Don't get me wrong, see a doctor, pay for counselling sessions, get professional help if you feel it will benefit, but for a lot of guys out there, knowing there is a free, weekly, hour long session that doesn't require signing up for, that is occupied and run by likeminded people that have real world experiences, actually ticks the boxes for what they're looking for.

The future for Men Walking and Talking in Solihull could not look any brighter. To go from a lot of unexpected thoughts, to think... "What shall we do next?" The success of our fundraiser in November has driven the thought within the group to do another. The wonderful and scenic trips to the Malvern's have urged us to explore further. With such a strong community vibe within Solihull that has helped the group take off makes us want to give back.

January will see us support The Dogs Home in Catherine-de-Barnes which the gents are very excited about, a collaboration with a popular craft beer brewery in Birmingham will certainly be a hit with the group, and the very early days planning of a excursion to Snowdon is already taking basic shape.

One things for certain though, we will be at the main gates of Malvern and Brueton Park, at the bottom of New Road (Opposite the Solihull School) every Tuesday and Thursday night from 18:45 to ensure we do our bit to improve mental wellbeing, provide a safe space for guys to talk about whatever they want and continue to grow this incredible unit that we've become.

Without it, I'm not sure where my life would have taken me.