4. 90-second Statements

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:32 pm on 23 March 2022.

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Photo of Russell George Russell George Conservative 3:32, 23 March 2022

Today in the Senedd I wanted to highlight the fantastic work of a mental health support group called the Walking Men of Mid Wales, and the group does exactly what it says. And the group was set up by Andy Coppin and is run each week by a number of volunteers. And it was set up in a bid to support those who were struggling with anxiety or isolation, but also as a mechanism just to allow men to meet and talk with each other as well and become friends with each other. The group was set up as a result of, sadly, a number of men taking—younger men taking—their own lives across the area. The group meets on a fortnightly basis in Welshpool, in Newtown, and the walk routes are planned in advance, and men walk around together, chatting and talking and sharing their experiences of life and their own life experiences, as well, in order to support each other. I've been on the walks myself, and it's encouraging to see the walks growing in numbers week by week. So, I'd like to thank Andy for setting up the group and for his commitment and dedication and his passion, but also I'd like to encourage others to get involved in setting up an initiative in their area as well. It's such a simple initiative but a great initiative, just facilitating men gathering together and walking and talking and sharing life experiences with each other.