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During lockdown, Abertridwr resident Shaun Cook discovered a love for walking – and is now using it to help men improve their mental health.

Earlier this year, Shaun, 33, decided to set up a walking group where men can open up about their mental health, as well get outside and enjoy the benefits of exercise.

The Men Talk Walk group meets every Sunday, with around ten to 15 men taking part each week – some coming from as far as Machen, Blackwood, Bargoed and Cardiff to take part.

The walks mainly take place in and around Abertridwr, with a few walks around Caerphilly Castle too – each lasting between an hour and three hours.

However, Shaun said there are plans to go further afield, with walks in places like Abergavenny and along the Wales Coast Path in the pipeline, as well as up Pen y Fan.

Explaining the motivation behind starting the group, Shaun said: “During Covid my nan passed away. We were in lockdown and I didn’t really know what to do, so I started walking.

“I walk every day now. I know how beneficial it is.”

Last year, an old friend of Shaun’s took his own life. This left Shaun feeling the need to do something to help others going through tough times.

While scrolling through Facebook one day, Shaun saw a post about a Sunday walking group and it sparked an idea in his head.

“It was a Wednesday night and I was posting something on Facebook about starting the group,” Shaun explained. “I must have deleted it several times but in the end I just posted it.

“The Sunday after I had ten men turn up for the first walk. It’s being growing ever since.”

Shaun added: “The men who have been attending are a real friendly bunch of guys.”

Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Shaun on mentalkwalk@gmail.com for more information.