A community group which meets for a weekly cuppa and a stroll by the sea to help combat loneliness in men has won a BBC Make a Difference award for improving the lives of others.
Walk and Talk EA, external, founded by Mark Harwood in Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, has been described as “lifeline” for men struggling with their mental health.
Harwood was among nine community heroes who received well-deserved recognition at a ceremony in Norwich on Thursday night.
“I see a huge difference in men’s happiness; we’ll have people come to us not knowing where to turn, and a few months down the line their whole life has been turned around,” said Harwood.
The group came about shortly after lockdown, when Harwood noticed several posts on social media, by men, about loneliness.
“I made a post on Facebook, just saying I was going for a walk and a cup of tea on the beach, and invited any lads to join me, whether they were friends of mine or not.
“The first walk, we had three show up, 16 for the second walk, and 30 by the third.
“These days, we have around 35 to 40 men join us.”
Harwood’s nominator said the group, which collaborates with GPs and counsellors, had saved his life and “picked me up from a very dark place”.
“[There is] no judgement, no stigma, just a community of men coming together for themselves and indeed others,” his statement added.
“A band of brothers that build unbreakable friendships.”