Councillors and public in Sandwell to put their best foot forward to raise awareness

Two Sandwell councillors are taking on a walking challenge this weekend to raise awareness of men’s mental health - and are inviting the public in the borough to get involved as well.

Councillor Jackie Taylor, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health and Wellbeing, and Old Warley councillor Luke Cotterill are taking on a six-park, three-day walking challenge to mark Men’s Health Week.

The challenge involves them travelling between six parks across Sandwell over three days, with a one hour community walk at each park, culminating in a community event with lots of family activities on Father’s Day (Sunday) at West Smethwick Park.

This week is Men's Health Week and it is also marked for the whole month nationally every June.

Councillor Taylor said: “We’re standing shoulder to shoulder and walking for men's mental health.

“Focussing on and supporting men’s mental health is a priority for us as a council. Eighty-eight per cent of Sandwell men who took part in a consultation last year told us they felt like they couldn’t talk to anyone about mental health. And suicide is the most common cause of death in men under 50 in the UK.

“We’ll be completing the challenge over three days, and we’re looking forward to seeing lots of people join in and walking with us to raise awareness.”

Councillor Cotterill added: “We’re excited to be taking on this challenge to mark Men’s Health Month and raise awareness of the support available for men struggling with their mental health.

“We would love for people to join us on the challenge by taking part in a one-hour walk in our parks. These walks provide an opportunity not only to enjoy the outdoors and promote wellbeing, but also to engage directly with local councillors and our staff to learn more about mental health services and the support available.”

The one-hour community walks are as follows: No registration is necessary.

Tomorrow (Friday): Victoria Park, Tipton – Meet at The War Memorial 10.30am;  Brunswick Park, Wednesbury – Meet at the Play Area at approximately 1.30pm

Saturday:  Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich – Meet at the Visitors’ Centre 10.30am;  Britannia Park, Rowley Regis – Meet at the multi-use games area by the car park at approximately 1.30pm.

Sunday:  Lightwoods Park – Meet at Lightwoods House 10.30am;     West Smethwick Park – Meet at The Pavilion at approximately 1pm.

Find out more on the Healthy Sandwell website: www.healthysandwell.co.uk/walkinthepark