Better Lives for Men, Better Lives for All
www.mensnetwork.ie
www.mensnetwork.ie
Creating safe, positive spaces for men to talk and connect is so important.
Men’s Development Network has partnered with Get Ireland Walking on a new health and wellbeing programme being piloted in Kilkenny in November/December 2021.
Supported by Sport Ireland and the Department of Health’s Healthy Ireland initiative, ‘Walking the Talk’ runs for six weeks (3 November to 8 December) in County Kilkenny’s great outdoors.
It will offer guided walks during which men can both exercise and explore questions relevant to living more enjoyable, connected lives.
Lorcan Brennan, MDN’s Training & Resource Development Manager, said: “The wellbeing benefits of walking are proven. Sharing the outdoors with others, and engaging in conversations about living well, can turn a good walk into a GREAT one.”
Jason King, National Programme Manager with Get Ireland Walking, said: “Adding healthy habits such as walking to our daily and weekly routines, can have a hugely positive impact on wellbeing. The benefits for both body and mind are significant.”
He sees “Walking the Talk as providing an opportunity for men to engage in conversation in the great outdoors — taking in the fresh air and scenery and opening their minds to leading more connected, healthier lives.”
Men’s Development Network CEO Seán Cooke says the idea behind ‘Walking the Talk’ is to encourage men — amid the calm of nature — to actively reflect on the positive contributions they make to their families, friends, and communities.
He anticipates that participants “will create new friendships and come away with a greater awareness of the activities and actions linked to their happiness.”
A selection of photographs from the successful first session of our new Walking the Talk pilot programme in Kilkenny on Wednesday, 3rd November, in association with Get Ireland Walking and Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership.
On a fine, fresh morning, this was a great opportunity to engage with men who signed up for the programme and for them to exercise, reflect and converse with each other in the great outdoors. The participants and facilitators took a leisurely stroll from Canal Square down along the Canal walk and past Kilkenny Castle and really enjoyed each other’s company.
*To express interest in future sessions of the programme, email colm@mensnetwork.ie and please state which county you are based in.
MDN's Lorcan Brennan in conversation with Jason King of Get Ireland Walking
