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Inclusion Policy

Walk & Talk for Men’s Mental Health Inclusion Policy

Date adopted: 7th November 2025
Approved by: Board of Trustees

 

  1. Purpose

Walk & Talk is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where men can share, listen and connect.
While our support groups are delivered in a single-sex format (men only), this policy outlines our approach to inclusion – recognising that each person is a unique individual, not defined by any one aspect of their identity such as sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, religion, disability, or political views.

Our community is built on mutual respect, shared humanity and the simple belief that listening to understand can help people feel less alone.

 

  1. Scope

This policy applies to all members, attendees, volunteers, facilitators, trustees, employees and contractors of Walk & Talk for Men’s Mental Health.

 

  1. Our Commitment
  • We believe mental health and emotional well-being support should be accessible to all men, regardless of background or identity.
  • Our single-sex format is designed to create a peer-to-peer environment where men feel safe, supported and free to open up.
  • Within that format, we respect and value every person’s individuality, background and beliefs.
  • We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment or exclusion based on sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, religion or belief, gender identity, disability or any other characteristic.
  • We treat each other with courtesy, dignity and kindness, recognising the shared humanity that unites us.
  1. Single-Sex Support Group Rationale

Our men’s walk-and-talk model is built on the understanding that men often face barriers to opening up about emotions and mental health. The single-sex format reduces those barriers and helps build trust and connection.

We welcome individuals who identify as men or male, and we commit to handling any questions of gender identity sensitively and respectfully, in line with equality law and best practice.

 

  1. Equality Act 2010 and Gender Identity

Walk & Talk operates as a single-sex support service for men. Under the Equality Act 2010, “sex” is defined as being either male or female, based on a person’s legal sex as shown on their birth certificate. A transgender person may change their legal sex by obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

As a single-sex service, Walk & Talk for Men’s Mental Health must consider the needs and wellbeing of all participants — including transgender men— and consider how our approach affects everyone involved.

Our position and practice

  • Eligibility: In line with the Equality Act 2010, Walk & Talk for Men’s Mental Health is open to those who are legally male, including transgender men (individuals who have transitioned from female to male and hold a Gender Recognition Certificate).
  • Exclusion under the Act: The Act allows single-sex services to limit participation where it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim, such as maintaining the sense of safety and openness central to our men’s peer-support model. Walk & Talk for Men’s Mental Health is not open to transgender females: (individuals who have transitioned from a male to female and hold a Gender Recognition Certificate).
  • Gender reassignment as a protected characteristic: The Act also recognises “gender reassignment” as a protected characteristic. This means that people who are transitioning, or who propose to transition, are protected from discrimination even if they do not hold a Gender Recognition Certificate.

Walk & Talk for Men’s Mental Health will not ask for a Gender Recognition Certificate as proof of gender identity, as doing so could breach privacy and dignity. Instead, if someone identifies as transgender or is in the process of transitioning, a confidential, respectful conversation will take place between the individual and a designated representative assigned by the Walk & Talk for Men’s Mental Health Trustees to discuss participation sensitively and in line with the purpose of the group.

This approach allows us to uphold both:

  1. our duty under the Equality Act 2010 to consider the rights of all participants, and
  2. our commitment to providing a safe, trusted and respectful men’s space for all those using our service.

 

  1. Human-First Approach
  • We believe that no-one is defined by a single label or characteristic. Everyone brings their own story, experiences and perspective.
  • We listen to understand, not to judge or categorise.
  • Facilitators and members are encouraged to approach every conversation with curiosity, respect and empathy.
  • Differences make our community stronger. We aim to create a culture where all participants feel seen, valued and safe to be themselves.
  1. Ground Rules: Listening and Understanding

To protect the supportive nature of our space, all participants agree to the following ground rules:

  1. We come together to listen and understand, not to promote personal, political or religious agendas.
  2. Our forum is not a platform for persuasion, recruitment, or debate on external issues.
  3. We treat each other with patience, empathy and respect, regardless of background or beliefs.
  4. We do not tolerate any discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, religion or belief, gender identity, disability or any other characteristic
  5. We speak from personal experience (“I” statements) and avoid generalising or judging others.
  6. We respect confidentiality – what’s shared in the group stays in the group, unless there’s a safeguarding concern.
  7. We recognise that we all have something to contribute and something to learn.

 

  1. When Concerns Arise
  • Anyone who feels uncomfortable or excluded due to another person’s behaviour, language or actions should speak to a facilitator or designated safeguarding lead.
  • Facilitators are empowered to step in if behaviour undermines the inclusive ethos of the group.
  • In serious or repeated cases, a participant may be asked to step aside to maintain safety and trust within the group.
  • We record and review any incidents to ensure learning and accountability.

 

  1. Communication and Training

Walk & Talk for Men’s Mental Health will:

  • Provide access to this policy with all members, volunteers and facilitators.
  • Provide facilitators with training on inclusive practice, unconscious bias and respectful listening.
  • Provide facilitators with accredited Mental Health First Aid training.
  • Regularly review promotional materials, social media posts, and group descriptions to ensure inclusive and welcoming language.

 

  1. Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if circumstances, legislation or feedback require it.

Discussed and Ratified by Trustees

Approved by: Dave Newey, Chair of Trustees
Date: 7th November 2025