Why it has never been more important to talk
It's good to talk.
If you are of a certain age you will remember the BT adverts with actor Bob Hoskins delivering these inimitable words in his trademark macho Cockney style. The concept behind the adverts was that we don't speak enough with friends and family. The subtext was that if Bob can do it, we all could - and should.
Almost thirty years later this simple message has never been more important.
Ironically, given we have so many more ways to communicate with each other than ever before, the way society and technology has developed means we actually talk to each other less. Social media has reduced meaningful social interactions. Technological 'advances' seem determined to replace human contact. Loneliness and isolation is the rapidly spreading hidden pandemic more and more people suffer from.
That is why World Mental Health Day 2023, on October 10th, is a poignant reminder of how important it is, and what good it does, to simply talk to people in your community. To find out how friends, neighbours, family and colleagues are. To take pleasure in other people's company.
Indeed, The Walk and Talk Movement has found that simply walking and talking together has a hugely positive impact on mood, happiness and feeling connected with your local community. Getting out of the house and enjoying fresh air and lovely green spaces together in a friendly, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere is a very simple tonic that has already helped thousands of people become happier and healthier.
That is why, as a national movement, we believe in the amazing benefits of, and are so passionate about, walking and talking.
We have also proved that long lasting impact is created by communities coming together to run their own walk and talks. Our mission now is to help more and more people to come together to support each other.
Here are the current locations of walk and talk groups run by the community for the community:
https://www.walkandtalkmovement.org/locations You are very welcome to join any of the groups, any Saturday at 10.30am. No booking or reservations - just turn up any Saturday. New walk and talks are also setting up all the time. If you are interested in setting up a walk and talk in your local green space please feel free to contact us using the form on this website. It can make such a difference to so many people.
It's not just good to talk - it is crucial.
You can find out more about World Mental Health Day here:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day
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