Walk & Talk 999 began with a simple but powerful idea: bringing men together, outdoors, to walk side by side and support each other’s mental health.

We are a group of volunteers who run free, leisurely walks for men at various locations across the UK. Our passion is rooted in a shared commitment—to improve mental wellbeing within the Service community and to break down the barriers that too often stop men from reaching out for help.

The reality that first shook us into action was heart-breaking: 75% of people who die by suicide are men. We couldn’t ignore this. Beyond the statistics, we saw the lived reality—that many men, especially those in the blue light services, NHS, or military, felt they had nowhere safe to turn.

Men are still too often raised with the belief that showing emotion is a weakness. Within service roles, this can be magnified, as identities are shaped by being the “rescuer”—the one others depend on. Admitting struggles can feel impossible. The stigma of “not coping” continues to silence too many.

We wanted to change that. We wanted to create a place where men could come together without judgement, where they could feel understood, and where they could realise that it’s okay not to be okay. That’s how Walk & Talk 999 was born.

Our walks are run by men, for men who are currently serving, have served, or are retired from the services. They provide a safe space for like-minded people who can relate to each other’s experiences. Each walk lasts around an hour, takes place every week, and goes ahead no matter the weather—sun, rain, hail, or snow.

There is no pressure to attend every week, no pressure to open up, and no pressure to talk about what you’re going through. You can share your story, listen to others, walk in silence, or simply chat about the weather. The important thing is being there, side by side, with people who understand.

Our walk leaders—dedicated volunteers—give their time freely every week to hold these safe spaces. They are there to listen, to support, and if needed, to point people toward further help and services. Behind the scenes, we are also fortunate to have two incredible women who volunteer their time to help keep Walk & Talk 999 running.

Today, there are 17 Walk & Talk 999 groups across the UK (click here to  see locations  ), with more being added as we grow. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with men sharing how much difference these walks have made in their lives.

Our vision doesn’t stop here. While our focus has been on men, we also support and encourage the creation of women-only groups and open walks for all, because mental health matters to everyone.

We are expanding rapidly and are always looking for volunteers who share our passion to start new walks in the UK and beyond. Every new walk is another lifeline for someone who needs it.

If you’d like to start a walk, get involved, or simply find out more,  go to our contact us.