Men Walking and Talking - Long Eaton

30/10/2025

🚶‍♂️🧍‍♂️ MEN WALKING AND TALKING LONG EATON 🧍‍♂️🚶‍♂️

This morning, I raised the Men Walking and Talking - Long Eaton group in parliament, talked about their work and said I'd be joining them this evening 🌃

So, tonight, I rocked up at West Park Leisure Centre at 7 o'clock to join this brilliant group for a walk around West Park 🚶‍♂️

The group provides men with a safe space to open up about their mental health and provide each other with support, without judgment. All men are welcome and it’s completely free - just an opportunity to have a conversation and share troubles.

This group, and other groups like it around the country, do so much to support men's mental health. Lots of people in my life have struggled with mental ill health, and I know so many lives are saved each year by groups like this, so a massive thank you to Mike and the team for running it every week.

And if you’re reading this and you're not doing so well - please know that there's someone out there for you to talk to, whether it’s a mental health professional or a local group, and there is support available for you ♥️

13/09/2025

07/09/2025

04/09/2025

Okay folks... here's one we can have some fun with!

Men Walking and Talking is looking to create a Christmas jumper, and we need your help designing it!

It must:

🔹️include the words "Men Walking And Talking"
🔹be Christmas themed
️🔹be submitted by September 30th
️
You'll only need to design the front of the jumper, and it's likely it will be a print, rather than an embroidered or knitted design.

The person who submits the winning design will get one of the jumpers for free!

Let's see what you can do! 🎄🎅

04/09/2025

A personal safety expert is running free classes funded by Erewash council so local women can learn how to avoid predators.

The monthly workshops have been lined up to share vital tips on spotting potential threats that need to be kept at bay – such as on nights out.

They are the brainchild of Ilkeston woman Jo Cox, who has a long career in the field of safeguarding.

The Saturday workshops are being held at the Cantelupe Centre on Ilkeston Market Place and are open to women aged 18 and over.

Link in comments for full details.

03/09/2025

⚠️ Government Emergency Alert Test – What You Need to Know if You’re Affected by PTSD or C-PTSD

On Sunday 7th September 2025, there will be a nationwide test of the UK Government’s Emergency Alerts system. This test is designed to trial the system used to warn people about life-threatening emergencies like severe flooding, fires, or extreme weather events.

As part of the test, your mobile phone or tablet may make a loud, siren-like sound, even if it’s set to silent. It will also vibrate and display a message on your screen. The alert will last for around 10 seconds.

Why we’re sharing this
We know that sudden, unexpected noises - especially those that sound like alarms - can be distressing or triggering for people living with PTSD or C-PTSD.

Many people with PTSD or C-PTSD experience hypervigilance, a state of being constantly alert and on guard, always scanning the environment for potential threats. Loud sounds, abrupt vibrations, or unexpected messages can understandably cause feelings of fear, panic, or flashbacks.

That’s why we want to make sure you have the chance to prepare, plan, and protect your wellbeing, especially if you think this alert might affect you.

Find out more: PTSDuk.org/government-alert-system-test/

What to expect on 7th September
If your device is compatible and the alerts are switched on, it may:

🔊 Make a loud, siren-like sound (even on silent mode)

📳 Vibrate

📱 Display a message on your screen, including a link or phone number for more info

The alert will last for about 10 seconds, and there’s no action required from you during the test.

Can I turn the alert off?
Yes, you can opt out of emergency alerts on most devices - and we’ve included clear instructions in our article to help you do this, if you feel it’s necessary for your wellbeing.

Please note, for your safety, we don't suggest you turn the notifications off. Emergency alerts contain life-saving information and should be kept switched on for your own safety. But we always advise people to make informed decisions that feel right for them.

You can read step-by-step guidance for iPhones, Androids, and other devices on our article.

A gentle reminder
We aren’t able to answer questions about the Emergency Alert system itself - this is a government-led initiative. But we’re sharing this information to ensure you’re not caught off guard, and so you have the tools to make the right choice for your own safety and peace of mind.

https://www.ptsduk.org/government-alert-system-test/

31/08/2025

Homelessness and mental health are deeply intertwined: in England, around 80% of people sleeping rough report experiencing mental health problems, and nearly half of those who are homeless have received a mental health diagnosis.

That’s why today, Men Walking and Talking - Long Eaton are honoured to support The Canaan Trust with a food donation - standing together to ease the burden, one meal and one conversation at a time.

Big love

Mike
🖤💙

30/08/2025

A great big thank you to Tesco Long Eaton for supporting our efforts to donate food and provisions to The Canaan Trust!

We will be donating the goods tomorrow as a part of the women’s charity rugby match between Long Eaton Rugby and Mellish Rugby Football Club, which kicks off at 12:00!

See you tomorrow!

Big love

Mike
🖤💙







Walks 4 Wellbeing
Long Eaton Self Help Group
BlueTonic
Erewash Voluntary Action
West Park Leisure Centre
Derbyshire Mental Health Team
Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service
Baton of Hope Derbyshire
fans

22/08/2025

We’re proud to share that Men Walking and Talking has been nominated, and shortlisted for the Health and Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Company X Consulting, at the English Veterans Awards 2025 🎉

With around 50% of our attendees having an Armed Forces connection, our community continues to grow as a safe, supportive space where the community can come together, walk, talk, and look after their wellbeing.

To recognise and honour that connection, we host specific Armed Forces walks and are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, underlining our commitment to supporting veterans, those currently serving and their families.

This nomination is a real testament to the strength of our community and the positive impact walking and talking can have on mental health and wellbeing.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported Men Walking and Talking on this journey – this recognition belongs to all of you. 🙌

22/08/2025

I’ve not been on social media much recently, and admittedly haven’t been sharing the joy of our walks.

Last night, 9 of us (and Belle the pup) took a walk around West Park and talked about the highs and lows of our week.

Just before we walked I saw a video and it reminded me of why I wanted to start this group, and it made me super grateful that these chaps can benefit in the same way I did when I started off as a walker in our Quinton group.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from our walking and talking sessions, we walk every Thursday at 19:00 and we meet at West Park Leisure Centre.

Big love

Mike
🖤💙







Walks 4 Wellbeing
Long Eaton Self Help Group
BlueTonic
Erewash Voluntary Action
West Park Leisure Centre
Derbyshire Mental Health Team
Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service
Baton of Hope Derbyshire