A weekly walking group has been launched in Kenilworth aimed at supporting men's mental health.

Set up by local resident Mark Taylor, the group was started six weeks ago as the tenth branch of the Men Walking and Talking Group - which was launched during the pandemic.

Starting their walks at Abbey Fields Car Park every Thursday at 7pm, the group aims to be a support network for local men, to help them share and talk about their mental health.

Mark explained: "In early 2020 I had my own mental health struggles and with professional help and the support of good friends, I was able to deal with it and came out the other side mentally stronger and felt really good about things. 

"So, this is just a case of I'd like to do something to give back. 

"It is such a simple thing to set up a walking group, offer an outlet and see who turns up.

"I can be an ear for people, and just there to be spoken to. We all know what us blokes are like, not asking for help, and that is the main ethos of the group really."

Last week's walk was the best attended so far with nine people turning up.

And with the group already receiving positive feedback so early on Mark said he had been "blown away and overwhelmed" by the response to it.

"I have had lots of comments, congratulating me and telling me to carry on going.

"There is a lot of pride too, because it has also come off the back of something so simple as setting up a walking group."

He added: "I have had offers from local businesses who have wanted to promote this."

And with most of the positive feedback and offers to help coming from local women, Mark said it was clear to him that other people recognised how important getting men to open up about their mental health is.

"It seems to be striking a chord. I'd say over 90 per cent of the comments are coming from women, which again makes me think this is really important," he said.

"We've had requests for more information from women who want to share this with their husbands, partners and friends because they recognise how useful it could be."

To find out more, click here to join the Men Walking and Talking Facebook group.