A young Armagh man who knows all too well the devastating effects of poor mental health has pitched the idea to start a “Men’s Walk and Talk Group” in the city.
Fitness Coach, Adam Donald has for years been open about his struggles, having lived through a very troubled childhood, battled drugs, drink, depression and suicidal thoughts.
Through fitness, conventions and sheer determination, Adam turned his life around and uses his own experience to support others who find themselves in similar situations.
His commitment to changing his own life and the lives of others led his mum, Elaine to nominate him for Armagh I‘s Overcoming Adversity Award in 2024, an accolade he won – much to his own surprise!
Now, after speaking with his friend, Conor O’Reilly over coffee, the two have suggested their idea to develop a Men’s Walk and Talk Group to help provide a productive, supportive space to address “the amount of men who are struggling mentally”.
Said Adam: “We’ve both known people close to us who couldn’t see a way out, and we know how easy it is to bottle things up because you don’t want to burden anyone or look weak.
“That’s why we’re thinking about creating a safe, supportive space for men to meet up, get moving, and talk openly about what’s really going on in their heads.
“It’s not counselling or therapy just lads walking, talking, and helping each other feel a bit less alone.”
Explaining that nothing is currently ‘set in stone’, Adam says they are simply “putting the feelers out there” to see if anyone would be interested joining or know of anyone who might benefit from the initiative.
Adam is encouraging anyone who would like to take part to comment or message himself or Conor privately on Facebook. He also encourages the sharing and tagging of his post to help spread the word.
Said Adam: “You don’t need to suffer in silence. Even one conversation can make a difference.”
