Father of two launches 'Men Together Burnley' health and wellbeing group
A Burnley dad of two is spearheading a group aimed at bringing men together for walks, sport and other activities.
Men Together Burnley was created just four weeks ago by Ryan Dunlop-Taylor.
After experiencing a challenging time in his own life Ryan, who is almost 40, started walking to help lift his spirits and improve his mental health.
“Getting out in the open air, in nature is one of the best ways to clear your head and boost your health both physically and mentally, “ said Ryan who is dad to daughters Lottie (eight) and two-and-a-half-year-old Alba.
Men Together is a CIC originally launched in Durham. It piqued Ryan’s interest when he saw a number of groups have been launched under the Men Together umbrella across the country.
“I was unsure whether or not I wanted to lead the group if one started in Burnley but then I decided to give it a go, “ said Ryan. “I knew how much walking had benefitted me, so I decided if I could help just one other person it would be worth it.”
Since then Ryan, who is the restaurant manager at Towneley Garden Centre in Burnley, has led a number of Friday evening walks in local beauty spots like Towneley and Hurstwood, some with just one person joining and other times several. Aimed at men aged 18 plus, the aim of the group is to give men the chance to connect, make friends and feel part of something that doesn’t make any demands on them.
Ryan said: “There is no joining fee and no obligation to come every week and of course, no pressure to talk about your feelings.”
Ryan is also looking to organise darts sessions and five a side football matches for those who wish to take part.
He said: “We want to offer an alternative to just going to the pub on a Friday night, having a few beers then feeling awful the next day.”
Phil Clark, who is the owner and founder of Men Together said: “We’re delighted to have Ryan on board and to bring Men Together to the Burnley area. There is clearly a massive need for what we do, and our goal is to make a positive difference to the lives of men across the country while continuing to grow the Men Together community. Ryan has been fantastic for Men Together and for the Burnley area.
"His commitment and passion for bringing local men together has been brilliant to see, and we’re excited to see the Burnley group continue to grow. This is just the beginning for Men Together, we currently have seven groups and we’re looking forward to reaching even more communities across the UK.”
Anyone who would like more information should head to the Men Together Burnley Facebook page where you can drop a DM or contact Ryan directly.