Hi, my name is Phil, and I am the leader of the Kidderminster Walk.

I first found out about MWAT when my nearest group at the time (Stourport) had been advertised in a local newspaper. At the time I had been struggling to handle the pressures of multiple roles in my work life, which lead to sleepless nights. Thankful, my wife encouraged me to go to the Stourport walk. All of my way there I thought that I was a bit of an imposter and didn’t really need to go, or to get any help. When I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms by Dean and the Stourport members. By the end of my first walk my opinion had completely changed. I don’t think I opened up much that first evening, but I was made to feel comfortable, and like I was amongst friends that I had known for years.

Over the subsequent weeks, I began to open up about my situation, and came to the realisation that I was struggling with long-term work-related stress, and stress induced anxiety. That simple realisation, and being able to open up about my problems seemed to ease the burden, and make me feel better in myself, and I understood exactly what these groups could do for people.

At one stage Dean mentioned the possibility of starting a second group in the local area, and i knew that it would be a great way for me to help others in the same way that MWAT had helped me. So, in February 2022 we held the first walk in Kidderminster, and i have loved every walk since.

I’m fortunate that I have since been able to have an open and honest conversation with my employers, I have managed to pass some of my roles and responsibilities to other people and alleviate some of the pressures.