'I feel proud my walk-and-talk group is helping others'

A mother whose brother and her best friend both took their own lives has set up a walk-and-talk support group to help combat loneliness and support others dealing with grief.

Lauren Murphy had the idea for Wigan Walk and Talk after taking up hiking to help with her grief.

The 31-year-old from Wigan, Greater Manchester, said: "I realised that hiking improves my mental health so I decided it could help other people in the area too, because there is a demand.

"It's not just for bereaved people, it's for anyone who is lonely, struggling with mental health or people who just want to get outside."

The group meet up every Thursday at a different location around Wigan, and also have a monthly "brew and chat" meeting.

Since founding the group six months ago, Lauren said the weekly meet-ups had been attracting up to 15 walkers each time.

"We have a mix of genders and ages and we do beginner-friendly ones because obviously not everyone is a great walker," Lauren said.

The group also hosts a monthly meeting at Haigh Hall where they come together after a walk to have a "biscuit and a chat".

"If anyone's got anything to get off their chest we can talk about it," Lauren continued.

"We've had people saying that they had been in bed for two weeks and they've come to the group and it's helped them.

"It's also people struggling with loneliness and isolation.

"We just want to get people outside. Some people just enjoy the hike and walking side of it."

Lauren said there were some days where she needed the walk herself more than others.

"It really helps me to be helping other people really," she said.

"And some days when I'm feeling a bit down, it's coming up to that time of year when I lost my brother.

"There have been been days when I don't want to do the walk, but when I've got outside and I've done it, it's really helped me.

"So it is working - and it feels so much better to have done it."

Lauren said she feels proud to have started the group, and has received messages of support from far and wide.

"I get people messaging me online and saying they can't attend the group because they're not from the area and it's too far for them to come," she said.

"But they said I've inspired them to get out and have a walk."

"People are struggling, and a lot of people don't realise just how well it works for their mental health."

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