New Trim "walk n talk" group aims to encourage men to open up about mental health

A new “walk and talk” group for men has been set up in Trim to encourage men to open up about their mental health.

The idea thought up by Rathmoylon locals Trevor Reilly and John Ennis along with community garda Edel Dugdale will kick off on the Tuesday 5th October and will take place every Tuesday at 7.30pm from the car park at French’s Lane in Trim (beside courthouse).

Speaking on why it was important for him to start this initiative, Trevor said:

“The idea came from Australia where I lived for 18 years, and a similar group was established in the area. It’s grown substantially in its movement and there are now several chapters. Since moving home in October last year I’ve seen the impact of mental health issues and have watched friends either be directly or indirectly impacted by it.”

“When reconnecting with my childhood friend John we decided we would like to try and change this providing a grass roots channel for men within our community to talk.”

“This weekly walk is for men of all ages to simply get together and share whatever they want. It's a non-judgemental safe place to discuss what’s alive and real for them” added John.

“There is a vulnerability in letting people know you are not ok and traditionally this might have been seen as a weakness and not encouraged in Irish households.

“We need to change this and encourage sharing of feelings in our homes and careers. If that’s not available in those areas, then this is what Trim Men's Walk N Talk is for.”

Garda Edel Dugdale says she is only too familiar with how a lack of support can result in devastation for families. She said:

“Unfortunately, there has been too many tragic deaths within the area over the past number of years and predominantly they are young male members of our community.

“Covid has brought to the forefront the difficult issues that people are facing whether it be isolation, financial pressures or mental health etc. The services are there but it's about trying to ensure that the right help gets to the right people.”

Garda Dugdale says lifting of restrictions have given vulnerable people in the community the confidence to resume with life after a tough 18 months, but some are still nervous.

“Since restrictions have lifted some members of the community are happy to begin planning for the future, going on holidays and getting back into the office. They are embracing the idea of being able to have options.

“Others are just focused on the present. They still have anxiety about the full lift of restrictions. I think it's important to allow people to be patient and understand covid has been hard on some more than others.”

As our frontline services became immersed in the community over lockdown, Edel says she saw first-hand how isolation affected those cocooning.

“My role hasn’t changed much since the restrictions have lifted. I’m still around for anyone who needs my help or assistance. I’m still working with the community for the community.

“I learnt that loneliness hurts health more than we thought and when the world got smaller, we were still able to evolve.

“I have noticed that people have practiced more self-care and slowed down. They refocused on what they felt was a high priority to understanding what really is important.”