Henlow hosts Walk and Talk event to raise awareness of men’s mental health
An early morning walk was held in Henlow on Saturday to raise awareness about men’s mental health issues.
The walk was the second men’s health ‘walk and talk’ event to highlight the need for action on men’s mental health and provide an informal space for men to get out and chat with others.
It was organised by MP Alistair Strathern who joined men's walking groups and mental health champions as part of his work campaigning on a whole host of issues from paternity leave to men’s health.
The group walked 4.5k to signify life expectancy between men and women which varies by an average 4.5 years, and to highlight the difficulty men can have in talking about their mental health.
The event also highlighted the Government’s new men’s health strategy, which includes a commitment to invest in and support a wider range of community support services.
Mr Strathern was awarded one of Movember’s ‘Men’s Health Champion’ awards last year for his work in Parliament to champion the need for action.
He said: “We know as men we are not always the best at opening up to each other and talking about the things that are wearing us down and that can have a real impact on our mental health. For too long it’s an issue we’ve not taken seriously in society, that’s why I’m really glad the government has been doing more with its own Mental Health strategy with a specific focus on Men’s Mental Health.
“We are keen to play our part locally, so we’ve brought together people from right across our constituency, including some inspiring people helping out with issues in their own small charities, to make sure that men have got a chance to get out and get some fresh air and chat about the issues affecting us in our day to day lives.
“I’m grateful to everyone that came and looking forward to continuing to work with them to raise the issues we have discussed. And make sure we are taking mental health as seriously as we should.”
Mr Strathern chairs the Labour Group for Men and Boys highlighting the issues men face in Parliament and working with charities and partners to make sure men and boys can get the support they need when they need it.