A mental health and wellbeing group, set up by a lifelong Evertonian, is giving men the opportunity to join a special ‘walk and talk’ event ahead of Everton’s international pre-season friendly with Sporting CP on Saturday 5 August.
Jay Deakin, who set up Talkhub with the aim of raising awareness and helping men combat poor mental health, is encouraging men over 18 to join a special walk around Stanley Park before heading to Goodison Park ahead of Everton’s final pre-season fixture.
The initiative aims to give participants the opportunity to open up about their mental health issues in a safe, welcoming environment.
‘Walk and talk’ sessions offer both health and therapeutic benefits by giving participants the chance to breathe fresh air and experience the outdoors, while walking relaxes the mind enough to loosen anxiety and allow natural conversation.
Talkhub, a registered community interest company, have previously organised a pre-match walk and talk event prior to Everton’s Premier League fixture with West Ham United in October 2021.
Those who wish to take part in this year’s event are encouraged to meet at the entrance to Stanley Park Car Park on Priory Road at 12.15pm for a 12.30pm start.
The route, a lap and half of Stanley Park, is expected to take between 30 and 40 minutes to walk and will finish at the Dixie Dean statue for a group photo ahead of the 3pm kick-off.
Jay Deakin, who lives with an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and has struggled with his own mental health in the past, said: “The last walk we did in 2021 was a great success.
“It was great to see around 40 guys do the two mile walk from the Bramley Moore pub to Goodison, all with the same purpose of promoting men's mental health awareness and to support one another.
“The Sporting friendly feels like a great opportunity to bring this back and give people a place to talk in a safe and supportive environment with other like-minded men. Of course, there is no pressure attached; if you just want to come along to walk and see what it's about then that's perfectly fine.”
To register for the ‘Walk and Talk’ on Saturday 5 August or for further information, please contact Jay Deakin via email; talkhub@outlook.com, or via social media. The group can be found on Instagram and Twitter on the handle @talkhub_.
