From One Walk to a National Movement

The idea began when Dean, who experienced first-hand how powerful openness and vulnerability could be in encouraging others to share their own struggles.

After attending a community men’s walking group in Greenwich Park, he saw how informal conversation in an outdoor setting helped break down barriers that traditional support environments sometimes struggle to overcome.

Inspired by what he witnessed, he decided to trial a similar approach for men connected to frontline services — people often shaped by roles that demand resilience, calmness and control in the face of crisis.

What began as a small idea quickly gained momentum.

A Quiet Crisis

The statistics that first drove the initiative into action were stark: around three quarters of those who die by suicide are men.

Behind those numbers are fathers, colleagues, friends and teammates -many of whom felt unable to speak openly about how they were coping.

For many, particularly those in service roles, the pressure to appear strong can prevent honest conversations about stress, trauma or burnout.

Within emergency and healthcare professions, identity is often tied to being the person others depend upon. Admitting vulnerability can feel incompatible with that expectation.

Walk & Talk 999 challenges that silence and aims to offer an alternative — not therapy sessions or structured meetings, but a shared experience built around movement, fresh air and understanding.

No Pressure to Talk

Each walk lasts around an hour and goes ahead regardless of the weather.

There is no expectation to attend regularly and no obligation to share personal experiences.

Some talk openly about personal experiences. Others listen. Some simply walk in comfortable silence or chat about everyday life..

Walk leaders say that removing pressure is key. The purpose is not therapy. It is connection.

Conversation often happens naturally when people walk shoulder to shoulder rather than face to face. For some, that difference makes opening up feel safer.

Participants often describe relief in simply being among people who understand the realities of service life without needing explanation.

Volunteers at the Heart of Everything

The initiative is run entirely by volunteers, all whom have backgrounds within the service community themselves.

The walks are open to any men who are serving, have served or are retired from the emergency services, NHS or armed forces.

The amazing Walk leaders give their time freely to create welcoming, supportive environments where participants feel safe to attend exactly as they are. They listen offer encouragement  and, where necessary, help guide individuals towards additional support services.

They understand that taking part can be a big step for some people, that's why there is never any expectation to be in the walk photographs, your comfort, confidence and privacy always come first.

Behind the scenes, two dedicated female volunteers (Becci who has been there since day one and Rhianne who runs the Instagram)  also help coordinate the growing network of walks. 

It is this shared commitment- people supporting people -that sits at the heart of Walk & Talk 999

Growing Demand

What began as a single walk has expanded rapidly.

Today, more than 20 Walk & Talk 999 groups operate across the UK, with new locations continuing to launch as awareness grows and demand increases.

Walk leaders say the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants sharing how profoundly the walks have improved their wellbeing and sense of belonging.

Looking Ahead

Although Walk & Talk 999 initial focus has been men within the service community, it also supports and encourages  the development of women-only groups and  walks for all.

Mental health challenges do not discriminate, and Walk & Talk 999 long-term vision reflects that understanding.

As demand increases, the organisation is now encouraging volunteers to start new walks across the UK and beyond.

Because sometimes support does not begin with advice or solutions — but with simply walking alongside someone who understands, putting one foot in front of the other, together.

Find Out More

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More information about joining a walk or volunteering can be found at along with alternative support networks:

www.walkandtalk999.co.uk