With 56 members sharing their views, it’s clear that our “walk and talk” approach is working. Here is a look at the top-level results and what they mean for the future of our group.
A “Double Dividend” for Health
We often talk about the dual benefits of our activities, and the data backs it up. Our members are seeing major gains in two key areas:
- Physical Health: 87.5% of respondents reported noticeable improvements in their physical fitness.
- Mental Wellbeing: 78.6% noted an improvement in their mood and mental health.
Whether it’s through our traditional Wednesday walks, our new pickleball sessions, or circuit training, the variety of activities is helping everyone find a way to stay involved.
What We Value Most
The survey showed that 85.7% of our members participate on a weekly basis. When asked what makes this group special, the most common answers weren’t about the exercise itself, but the sense of belonging and the social connection.
Growing and Improving
We are committed to making our group even better. Based on your feedback, we are looking at several key areas for growth:
- Differentiated Walks: To ensure no one feels pressured to keep up, we are looking at formalising different paces so the conversation never has to stop just to catch your breath.
- Support for New Members: We want to make sure the first walk is as welcoming as the hundredth by looking into a “Buddy System” for newcomers.
- Expanding Our Reach: There is a growing demand for weekend and evening sessions to better support members who are still in the workforce.
In Your Own Words: Member Testimonials
The best way to understand the impact of our community is through the experiences of those who show up every week:
- “It’s improved my mental health dramatically, I’m serious, and my physical health went from zero to feeling confident in any physical activity”.
- “The group has made me feel like ‘I Belong’, after personally being ‘lost’ for a long time”.
- “Walking with the Marauders has been such a great way to make real connections — shared miles, shared conversations, no pressure”.
- “You can’t really put down in words how special this group is. The warmth, support, acceptance, understanding and humour is outstanding”.
- “I feel I have made lifelong friends from a group of strangers”.
- “Joining… is by far the best thing that I have done in retirement”.
- “I’ve regained a sense of purpose and don’t now just drift along”.
- “It’s helped me recover from an illness quicker than I had envisaged. Getting me out of the house and improving my fitness has been invaluable”.
- “A superb organisation that caters for all men”.
- “Helps both physically and mentally while chatting about nothing or asking for advice”.
- “I found what I was seeking but with the added bonus of making new friends and expanding my social circle”.
- “I believe I am a lot healthier and fitter than I was 10 years ago”.
- “It’s made me be less isolated, fitter, more confident and helped massively with my wellbeing”.
- “It’s the whole ethos. Total support for every individual by everyman”.
- “A great bunch of men and friendships, which is inclusive and supportive”.