Lowestoft man on a mission to bring awareness to men’s mental health, saying ‘you are not alone in your struggles’

A Lowestoft man has started a men’s mental health activity to encourage guys to talk.

Dr. Mark Culling, of Lowestoft, started Walk and Talk Lowestoft to support men’s mental health.

He was inspired after attending Walk and Talk East Anglia in Great Yarmouth and, after experiencing the positive impact it had, agreed to start it in the seaside town.

Mark had to take time off work and seek support when he was living in Yorkshire, and was encouraged by his counsellor wife to try his local Andy’s Man Club.

Andy’s Man Club is a suicide prevention charity.

Mark said: “When I previously lived in Yorkshire I struggled for a while with my own mental health.

“I had discovered a love of walking during the various lockdowns, so I also joined Mental Health Mates locally, who were brilliant.”

On how Walk and Talk was being received in the town, Mark said: “Take up has been really good. You never know if anyone at all will turn up when you start something new like this.

“Some guys use the walk every fortnight, some pass through and others attend when commitments allow.

“We usually have anything from 10 to 12 guys turn up each time, with new people joining almost every fortnight.”

Attendees at Walk and Talk can expect a warm, friendly welcome, as well as a free tea or coffee from their sponsors Deans Beans.

Mark says that they enjoy a lot of banter and laughs on the walk, but more importantly they will be listened to if they wish to share any mental health or life issues they’re having.

And Mark encourages those who are struggling to reach out and get involved, saying: “I would urge anyone struggling with their mental health in Lowestoft to give Walk and Talk Lowestoft a go.

“The guys are all really nice, friendly and supportive - they understand the difficulties we all face in life and will make you realise you are not alone with your struggles.

“By talking about what it is that weighs you down, a big weight will fall from your shoulders; I had one partner contact me recently and say ‘I don’t know what you did but he’s come back from the walk so laid back and chilled, I can’t believe it.’”

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/WalkAndTalkSuffolk.

Walk and Talk runs fortnightly on Saturday’s, starting at 9.30am outside East Point Pavilion.