Homebuilder backs Solihull Mental Health Group On The Go

The group, located near the developer's Ashtree Grove development, were also treated to a coffee van providing free warm drinks from David Wilson Homes, supporting them ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (12th to 18th May).

On Tuesday 6th May, the group's 44th walk consisted of over 100 participants - more than the walking group has ever had before - including the Mayor of Solihull. There was also input from local residents who wrote on Blue Hearts and posted them on the gates of Malvern Park in Solihull, to help inspire the group.

Wishing the walkers well ahead of the evening stroll, David Wilson Homes arranged for VW Coffee Shack to provide refreshments for those walking for mental health, volunteers from David Wilson Homes also came along to help serve cakes and refreshments.

Danny Smith, Founder of Men Walking and Talking Solihull, said: “Men Walking and Talking is a CIC, however as a company, we don't get many donations, but we still have costs to cover.

“We have a website we need to maintain and pay for each year. We also want to have t-shirts, flyers, and banners so we can look more professional, reach a wider audience and help more men, so the donation from David Wilson Homes will help us with all of this, and we thank the company for the kind gesture.”

The group's first ever walk was on Tuesday 8th October, one of the wettest nights of the year and only five people turned up. From there, the group grew until a walk in December had 30 people in attendance - which was an unprecedented number for them.

Danny continued: “On Tuesday night, the official figure was 106 people which I am still coming to terms with, as it was an amazing effort from all.

“We had a good number of women attend, who mixed and mingled with gents they have never met before and finished the walk with smiles and new friends. To see everyone at the end chatting with new people, having selfies, and exchanging numbers, was beautiful to see, and not one person looked sad, down, grumpy or put out. They felt like a community.”

Helen Lewis, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “We are proud to support Danny and the Men Walking and Talking team in Solihull. It’s incredibly important to create spaces like these where people can feel supported, whilst having someone else to talk to.

“Community is so vitally important, and we hope that Danny can continue to grow and expand this community so that more people can benefit from all his hard work. The walk on 6th May was a stunning success and we are pleased to have played a part in it.”

Community is this year's Mental Health Awareness theme. According to the Mental Health Foundation, being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and well-being. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone.

Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, and support in hard times, and offer a sense of purpose.

Danny said: “I started the Solihull group last year when it became apparent that there aren't enough options for support around the region. This is a known issue across the country though and, with councils struggling financially, I felt that it was wrong to wait for something to appear that could support me and decided I wanted to do something myself.

“I was in a bad patch last year for various reasons. I refused to go on medication, and I couldn't afford private support, so I was lost for what to do.”

Men Walking and Talking have been established since 2021, but there were no groups anywhere near Solihull for Danny to join. Thanks to Danny’s professional skillset, he knew that he could help set up a local group to support others.

Danny added: “From the first week we launched, I was contacted by someone from the council who keeps in regular contact with me. They spoke to me around March time with an idea for Blue Hearts and Mental Health Awareness Week.

“I was already thinking of how to make the most of this and how I wanted to invite more than just gents to the group. Between us, we pulled in the contacts we have developed in our roles, and alongside the conversations I was having with David Wilson Homes, everything fit into place.”

“My audacious and ambitious attempt to get the Mayor involved came as a part of a fluke. I was out running one morning and was stopped in the tracks of the Mayor’s car backing up onto the drive. Had I not seen this, I wouldn't have contacted her but thankfully I did and within an hour I had a response saying that she was attending.”

The event was opened up for one night only as ‘People Walking and Talking in the name of mental wellbeing across the local area’.

For details about the David Wilson Homes and its nearby developments, visit the website at David Wilson Homes in the West Midlands.