MenWalkTalk supports, organises and delivers mental wellbeing walks for men aged 18+. They meet for an hour walk followed by a cafe stop every two weeks at Barnwell Country Park, facilitated by Brian, a trained volunteer walk leader.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- walking is good exercise and can lift your mood;
- being outdoors and in nature is a stress-buster;
- meeting other men who may be experiencing challenges in their lives will help you feel less alone.
"It's important for men to talk. I myself tend to hide away and not talk and it has not done me any good. Coming on these walks and having a chat is wonderful and I'm thankful for MenWalkTalk."
How to contact
Where to go
Barnwell Country Park
Barnwell Road
Oundle
Peterborough PE8 5PB
UK
What to expect
MenWalkTalk is a registered charity which aims to support men’s mental health by facilitating walk and talk groups, reducing social isolation by creating a community of men who support each other.
Meeting at the Visitors Centre/Kingfisher Café in Barnwell Country Park and led by Brian, a trained volunteer walk leader, walks last an hour and for those that want to, end up with coffee in the Café. There's no pressure to talk, or to stick to mental health topics, but the walks are a safe space within which to open up and connect.
Walks are every two weeks on Saturdays. To find out when the next walk is taking place, take a look here (scroll down past the map to the calendar, which lists walks around the country; look for "Oundle Walk & Talk"). If you’re new, click on the walk you’re interested in and sign up so Brian knows to expect you. You’ll also find meeting point details and contact info. You can also use What3Words: Wishes.Manicured.Dynamic to find the exact location.
More information
MenWalkTalk walks offer informal group support and are not talking therapy or crisis support, though walk leaders can signpost NHS and other mental health services. The walk leaders are trained in mental health, health & safety, First Aid, and have a Risk Assessment for their walk.
Parking at Barnwell Country Park can be paid at machines via cash, cards, or mobile apps. More information here (click on the drop down arrow next to Barnwell Country Park for those details.)
Dress in weather-appropriate clothing and footwear. The terrain varies so may not be suitable if you have limited mobility or are in a wheelchair - you can email MenWalkTalk to discuss your needs. More information here (click on the drop down arrow next to Barnwell Country Park for those details.)
There are toilets on site.
If you'd like to be a volunteer walk leader contact MenWalkTalk. More information here.
Walks are free.
Parking at Barnwell Country Park and refreshments at Kingfisher Café are not free.
How to contact
Where to go
Barnwell Country Park
Barnwell Road
Oundle
Peterborough PE8 5PB
UK
