Welshpool walk went “really well” and will continue

The organiser of a walking initiative which has supported more than 250 men through mental health and other life challenges said that there was a great response to their return to Welshpool, despite the storm on Tuesday evening.

The Walking Men of Mid Wales held their first walk in Welshpool for two years in the midst of Storm Jocelyn, but it didn’t deter a healthy turn out.

Andrew Coppin started the initiative back in 2021 after four male suicides within six months of each other, three of whom were people he knew.

It has proved successful in Newtown with fortnightly walks enabling men of all ages to come together and enjoy a gentle stroll and chat.

“It was a great walk with the gents in Welshpool despite the miserable night,” said Andrew, who thanked the Inglenook Café for providing the meeting place and a hot drink before the walk.

“There was loads of talking, loads of positives, and I was personally touched by a gent who shared a story with me.”

Andrew said that he hopes to make the Welshpool walk a fortnightly event and will advertise the next one on the group’s social media.