Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in | Become a Member - no adverts Manage My Membership | Log out
Menu
  • News
    • Business
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

Ex-miner sets up walking group to help men open up on mental health

News | Tom Hicks | Published: 13:13, Thursday May 12th, 2022.
Last updated: 13:13, Thursday May 12th, 2022

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £3 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Phillip Williams, fifth from left, has set up a walking group in the Upper Rhymney Valley
Phillip Williams, fifth from left, has set up a walking group in the Upper Rhymney Valley

An ex-coal miner who has experienced mental health struggles has taken it upon himself to arrange a series of weekly walks where men can come together and chat about their problems.

The Mens’ Walk and Talk Group was created by Phillip Williams, from Pontlottyn, in early April, with members now walking across the Upper Rhymney Valley.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Phillip said the area was in desperate need for something like this: “I’ve suffered with mental health myself and there’s just nothing up here.

“They have some good support networks in Bargoed but as far as the Rhymney area goes we have nothing. This is only the first step, but it’s something.”

The men-only group meet at Rhymney Rugby Club at 2pm every Wednesday for tea and coffee before setting off on a leisurely stroll around the area.

Men’s Shed set to open next month as part of mental health initiative

The group also opens up to walks with women and children on Mondays at Parc Cwm Darran.

“It’s important to us that we have a male-only walk as some of the guys wouldn’t open up properly.”

Phillip, a former social inclusion officer, went on to say why services such as these are essential.

“Unless you’ve suffered from mental health problems it’s difficult to relate. This group will hopefully bring individuals together that have shared experiences.

“Some people can be put off by meeting a group of strangers and talking about their feelings but I want to stress that it’s really relaxed and strictly confidential.”

Like many people all over the country, Covid took its toll on Phillip’s mental health – leaving him feeling as if he was in “solitary confinement”. 

Sign up to our daily newsletter


“It was really difficult not seeing anyone for so long. I find the walks are a way to express yourself without coming home and burning your family out.”

Phillip joked: “I even say things here that I wouldn’t to my own wife. It’s a great atmosphere.”

Some of the more active members have been playing walking football as another outlet, getting them out of the house and keeping fit.

“We meet every Monday in Idris Davies School, Rhymney, with people of all ages. It’s another chance to get active and have fun.”

Phillip has been working closely with Dr David Llewellyn, Lead Wellbeing Officer with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, with the view to create more health groups in the area.

These groups will be based indoors and offer similar support to the walks. It’ll be a chance to “have some banter,” according to Phillip.  

Phillip concluded by saying: “I’m not proud of my mental health problems, but I’m not ashamed either. This is my therapy.” 

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £3 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.

Become a member today

Phillip Williams

Latest News

  • Help wanted in library vandalism caseFriday, June 9, 2023
  • Damage at Attlee Road playground, Blackwood
    Playground set on fire and vandalised during school holidaysFriday, June 9, 2023
  • Photography exhibition shows Wales’ mining legacy and lasting community impactFriday, June 9, 2023
  • Gerwyn Price and Johnny Clayton have won the World Cup of Darts for Wales
    Price and Clayton to start World Cup in second round as Wales seededFriday, June 9, 2023
  • Ffiliffest is held in Caerphilly every year
    Get ready for a celebration of Welsh culture as Ffiliffest returnsFriday, June 9, 2023
  • New images showing how the new 'Ffos Caerffili' could look
    Three developments set to be decided by council planning committeeFriday, June 9, 2023
© 2009-2022 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Britannia House, Caerphilly Business Park, Van Road, Caerphilly, CF83 3GG. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.