Olivia Bailey, MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, joined the Reading Men Walking and Talking (MWAT) group on Monday, August 3, to show her support for men’s mental health.
The group expressed gratitude for her presence, highlighting the importance of public figures advocating for mental health.
A spokesperson for the group said: “Regardless of any politics, this is great exposure for our @MWAT-Reading.”
In the UK, 75 per cent of suicides are men.
The MWAT group aims to create a safe space for men to connect and support each other, combating the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Meeting every Monday at the Tilehurst Triangle, the group encourages men from all walks of life to participate, offering a judgement-free environment for open discussions.
MWAT, not a charity or campaign group, emphasises the importance of action and has 88 active groups across the UK, including in Reading, Burghfield, Mortimer, Sonning Common, and Wokingham.