Walk & Talk 999

Walk & Talk 999 is an early intervention mental health initiative for men who are serving, have served or are retired from the Blue Light, NHS, and Military Services. First launched in 2021 after reading that 75% of people who sadly died by suicide were men, we looked into the barriers and stigmas that men faced which might be stopping them from seeking help

Dean had experienced first-hand how talking can really have a positive impact on your mental health, so thought by creating a relaxed atmosphere somewhere, where men could talk to other men may help them.

Dean was invited on a walking group for men in the community, which was taking place in Greenwich Park, after speaking with the people who attended each week and seeing the difference it was making to them, he decided to trial the idea for the Fire Brigade by starting a walk in Beckenham Place Park with the thought that if it even helped just one person it would be worth it. After seeing early how many people were attending decided to open it up to other services.

Walks are carried out in various locations throughout the UK on a weekly basis. They are leisurely walks that offer a safe and supportive environment to chat freely and assist with breaking the sigma around mental health. There is no pressure for anyone to open up, people can attend and listen to others, walk in silence or talk about the weather, you also don’t have to be struggling to attend as it’s a fantastic environment and always great for everyone to get out in the open and meet with like-minded people, giving yourself some time away to engage with others.

The walks are run by amazing people who give up their own time each week to provide these safe spaces for men to talk, there are also two amazing women who give up their own time working behind the scenes.