Men Walking And Talking
For the last 4 years I have been Co-leader of Telford Branch of Men Walking and Talking (MWAT), I believe you have visited our Shrewsbury brothers recently.
I have experienced low self-worth, low self-esteem, low self-image, body dysmorphia and I have been bullied at school. I’ve also been accused of bullying at school.
“For the last 4 years I have been Co-leader of Telford Branch of Men Walking and Talking.”
I have given my best and tried hard to be good and do things right. In 2009, at age of 29, I was diagnosed with mild dyslexia. In 2024 (at 44) I was diagnosed with autism. I have felt overwhelmed with people pleasing, comparison, envy, underachieving and behind.
At various points before, and since Covid, that resulted in isolation, depression (work and personal) and times where I thought being signed on and being on antidepressants was my only option. I have used counselling, listening services, and also breath work techniques.
Building Confidence
Now at 46, I am trying to find the real me and building confidence through the various tasks I have become involved with, encouraged by our our directors / MWAT founder to be involved with, or finding and creating opportunities. I don’t have all my ducks in a row yet but I can see shoots of growth and hope where darkness previously was.
I am hoping I can aspire other men to join groups like MWAT or find what works for them to keep them going. I have things to look forward to in my personal and private life.
“I don’t have all my ducks in a row yet…”
There have been 120 different men who have joined Greg and I as co-leaders since our partnership was formed. MWAT has grown from 13 groups to 97, the Telford group won Radio Shropshire’s ‘Make A Difference Award 2025’ and our others have won similar / different local awards and nationally there has been Veterans awards.
We don’t do it for the recognition, the glory, albeit it’s nice if it does happen, if we can help one man keep going, then he can tell another man.
Andrew
#takethefirststep
