Men Do Talk: A Hike, A Sauna, And A Proper Reset

There’s a myth that “men don’t talk.”

What we saw with our own eyes is simpler: men do talk — when the space feels safe, the pressure is off, and you’re doing something side-by-side.

We had a solid group of lads come down for a men’s mental health day: a hike first, then straight into the sauna for a proper heat reset.

No lectures. No awkward circle stuff. Just movement, a bit of banter, and the kind of conversations that happen naturally when you’re walking and breathing fresh air.

Men often open up when there’s a shared activity and no one’s staring at them waiting for a “deep” answer.

Walking gives you rhythm. The sauna gives you stillness. Between the two, something shifts:

shoulders drop

breathing slows

the noise in the head turns down a notch

and talking feels… normal

This wasn’t therapy — and it wasn’t trying to be. It was community, which a lot of lads don’t get enough of.

Sauna isn’t a cure — but it can be a powerful tool

We’re careful about how we say this: sauna doesn’t “fix” mental health.

But the combination of heat + calm + belonging can help people feel more grounded in the moment. For some lads, even showing up is the win.

As featured in the Mourne Observer

We’re proud to say this Men’s Mental Health “Men Do Talk” hike + sauna day was featured in the Mourne Observer.

It’s brilliant to see local media backing events that bring lads together — movement, conversation, and a proper reset.

If you’re ever in a rough place and need immediate support, you can contact Lifeline (Northern Ireland) on 0808 808 8000 anytime , or Samaritans on 116 123