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Men’s wellbeing group, Men Talk Walk, have walked a landmark 300 miles since forming more than a year ago.

The Abertridwr-based walking group was set up by Shaun Cook in January 2023, and has since held more than 60 walks across south Wales.

The walks have proved popular with men in the community, pulling in as many as 40 on the weekly treks.

Shaun, who is a deputy manager at Aldi, started the group following a difficult lockdown experience.

Living on his own, Shaun came to a low point after losing a family member, but found happiness in walking.

He said: “I hit a low point, spending too much time lying in bed scrolling through social media and heading for the fridge constantly. I then started walking and within days my mental health improved drastically.”

It was after losing a good friend at work however that made Shaun start the group for other men in similar positions.

Shaun continued: “I needed to set something up to help the men in the local area and end the stigma of men not being able to speak about their mental health.

“I turned to my wife and said what a fantastic thing this sounded like and then messaged a few family and friendship groups, and they all encouraged me to start a similar group up in the Caerphilly area.”

Shaun went on to say that he didn’t expect much of a turnout, but now the walks – which are held every Sunday – regularly attract as many as 40 men.

“The group has grown more than I ever imagined and I feel proud every single day of what we’ve started, reaching men from all over south Wales, from Pontypool to Barry and from Cwmbran down to Cardiff and all of Caerphilly.

“We’ve walked Pen y fan, Wales Coast Path, Skirrid Fawr and every blade of grass around the Aber Valley.”

Mike Banfield, who helps Shaun with the walks, added: “In September of 2022, I was hit with the sudden death of my sister, and I needed something to take my mind off what was now normal life for me with her son coming into my care.

“Joining Men Talk Walk has been the best thing for me. The impact it had on me, as well as all the many members we’ve had has been massive. I feel proud to say that I’ve been heavily involved with it, too.

“I’m also proud to call Shaun one of my closest mates, who has supported me through some really tough times, and for that, I will always be appreciative of what he’s done.”

The men’s wellbeing group now starts several walks a month with a free coffee morning beforehand in Abertridwr Park to provide a welcoming space for newcomers and even a midweek evening walk with the longer Summer evenings.

Stewart Marsh, who regularly attends the walks, said: “My partner saw on Facebook the Men Talk Walk group and suggested I should go along.

“I have always struggled with numerous issues involving mental health, so I thought it was a good idea to try it out. Since joining the group I have met some amazing people who have been very welcoming. As a result, I have made new friends. It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

The group walk every Sunday at 9.30am with more details available online.