A powerful initiative to support men's mental health is expanding!
James Clements, a resident of Wicken, Cambridgeshire, has embarked on a mission to establish more walking groups for men, inspired by his own journey of coping with the loss of his sister. This initiative, known as Men Walking and Talking (MWAT), aims to provide a unique and beneficial space for men to connect and improve their mental well-being.
Clements discovered MWAT after watching a short film on BBC's The One Show, and upon realizing there were no groups in his county, he took the initiative to start one in Ely. Now, he's taking it a step further by planning to launch three additional MWAT walks across Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.
"The combination of walking and talking has been incredibly valuable for me," Clements shared. "I truly cherish every moment of it, and I want to extend this opportunity to others."
Clements' story is a powerful reminder of the impact these groups can have. He lost his sister to cancer at just 15 years old, and the struggle to cope with her death has been a long and challenging journey. Despite receiving counseling, he found that the support and camaraderie of the MWAT group provided a unique and effective form of healing.
"I encourage anyone to give it a try," he added. "You might just find it to be a life-changing experience."
The father-of-two, who works in adult social care, started the weekly walking group in Ely last July, and it has since become a fixture for men in the community. They meet every Tuesday at 7:00 PM at Barton Road car park, rain or shine.
Currently, there are only two MWAT groups in East Anglia, with the other located in Chelmsford. But Clements' vision is to expand and create a network of support across the region. He's planning to host events in Milton, Cambridgeshire, and Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, with the hope that these walks will eventually become regular fixtures led by dedicated group leaders.
"The bonds and friendships formed within this group are incredible," Clements said. "Many of the guys have built such strong connections that they meet outside of the group as well."
MWAT was founded by Dan Reid in Telford, Shropshire, in 2021, and it has since grown to include over 50 branches across the UK. The group welcomes men over 18 and provides a safe and open space for them to connect and share their experiences.
The impact of MWAT is evident in the numbers: in 2025, a total of 20,571 men attended a walk, more than double the figure of 7,886 in 2024. This growth is a testament to the need for such initiatives and the positive impact they can have on men's mental health.
If you're interested in joining or supporting this initiative, Clements encourages you to reach out via the MWAT website. And for those in Cambridgeshire, keep an eye out for the upcoming walks and the opportunity to be a part of this powerful movement.
But here's where it gets controversial... What are your thoughts on the importance of initiatives like MWAT? Do you think gender-specific support groups are effective in addressing mental health issues? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
