Maj Mahmood, a 43-year-old from Nelson, Lancashire, started a walk-and-talk therapy group in 2018 after his close friend Simon Walker, 27, died by suicide. The group, which has grown into a community interest company, has become a symbol for men struggling with mental health and has raised thousands of pounds for charities.

Origins in Grief and Determination

Maj described Simon’s death as a ‘massive shock.’ Simon, who was known for his humor and positivity, had never spoken about his struggles with mental health. ‘He was always laughing and joking,’ Maj said. The loss inspired Maj to create a space where men could talk openly about their feelings without the pressure of a pub setting.

In October 2018, Maj posted a message on social media inviting people to join him on a walk from Nelson to Pendle Hill. Twenty people attended, and the group has since grown to include thousands of participants. Some have told Maj that the group has saved their lives.

Community and Charitable Impact

Maj, who had previously raised money for various charities, donated £4,000 to The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) in the wake of Simon’s death. The walk-and-talk group has since expanded, with annual treks to locations such as Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the Pendle Sculpture Trail, which tells the story of the Pendle Witches in stone.

The group, which now includes women, attracts people from diverse backgrounds. It has raised thousands of pounds for charities through sponsored challenges, including the Yorkshire Three Peaks race and a recent event in aid of Pendle Hospice. Maj has also launched a Men Talk group for men who prefer to chat without hiking.

The group meets every two weeks at Hodge House Community Centre in Nelson between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM GMT. Maj has noticed a significant shift in the stigma surrounding men opening up about their mental health. ‘At the beginning it was a struggle to get guys – now we get men from all communities,’ he said.

Personal Transformation and Professional Change

The group has also transformed Maj’s own life. He said he has struggled with mental health in the past but now feels ‘much happier’ after leaving his retail job to become a youth worker and walk-and-talk therapist. ‘Now I know people are relying on me has given me a boost,’ he said.

Maj’s new career has allowed him to take young people on walks and provide support through therapy. ‘I was stuck in a job I hated and I now get to do the job I love,’ he added.

Simon’s mother is a strong supporter of the group and has participated in some of the sponsored challenges. When asked what Simon would have thought of the group, Maj said, ‘I think he would be really proud. He used to tell me it was brilliant how I’d raise money for charities so I know he would be pleased.’

The group has grown from a small gathering of 20 people to an organization with over 150 participants at some events. Maj said the initiative has created a ‘big family’ for its members, with many sharing stories of how the group has helped them through difficult times.

According to Maj, the walk-and-talk format allows participants to ‘get things off their chest and be good for them, too, where they would feel better.’ The approach has been praised for its effectiveness in breaking down barriers and encouraging open conversations about mental health.