The man who launched a men's walking group in Kenilworth has hailed the success of the weekly meetings as they reach their third anniversary this year.

Mark Taylor said the 10th branch of the Men Walking and Talking Group - which was launched in 2022 - has "saved lives".

After Mark's own experiences with overcoming his own mental health struggles, the group was started to create a support network for local men, to help them share and meet new people.

It has continued to grow and still meets on a Thursday at 7pm at Abbey Fields Car Park.

With the group reaching its third anniversary this week, Mark said: "This Thursday (September 11) was three years since I turned up on Abbey Fields Car Park to start this group.

"Since that day the group has become a place for men to make friends, walk in nature and enjoy the outdoors.

"A place where they can talk openly and freely about whatever they want. Safe in the knowledge that they will never be judged.

"This group has saved lives."

The walk is completely free, and there is no commitment to come every week, or to talk about any personal issues.

"Amazing friendships have been forged and along the way we have had some laughs," he continued.

"If you’ve been on the fringes looking in, thinking of join us, maybe this week is the day that you do."

In the first two weeks back in September 2022, nobody actually turned up.

But since then it grown steadily over the years, with Mark determined to make it a success.

Speaking to Nub News previously, Mark said: "I was determined to find a way to make it work and if that meant I had to keep turning up for weeks until somebody showed up then so be it.

"I was that determined to make it work that nobody turning up wasn't going to put me off. 

"I have been lucky to start one in Kenilworth where it has hit a chord with a lot of guys.

"The overriding thing that the guys get from it is new friends, getting out and having some fresh air while having a chat about anything and everything really."

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