Welcome to the January newsletter
Welcome to 2026! We hope everything is going well so far.
We’ve already hit the ground running this year, supporting more people and raising awareness across the country. There is so much to look forward to in terms of events and initiatives that we are eager to share with you.
And…you may have noticed something new.
We have refreshed our look and feel across our brand and communications. This update is designed to stand out more clearly across all channels, improve readability and enhance accessibility. Our bold updated colour palette creates a more welcoming feel and better reflects who we are and those we support.
This update celebrates the inclusive, compassionate spirit of Best Mates, reinforcing that we are here for everyone navigating life’s challenges. We look forward to sharing more of this with you in the weeks to come!
Carl, Jeff & Rinny
Walking through 2026 with purpose
Walk ‘N’ Talk Wednesdays – Building Something That Lasts
A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to get each Walk ‘N’ Talk off the ground. Finding the right people who not only want to lead these walks but can commit to delivering them week in, week out is no small task. The consistency, care, and dedication shown by our volunteers is what makes Walk N Talk work, and we’re incredibly grateful to every one of them.
Last year, we saw Melksham go live, bringing our total to three Walk ‘N’ Talk groups. This year marks a major milestone. We’re proud to confirm the following new launches:
- Swindon (Coate) – Live
- Folkestone – Live
- Melksham – Live
- Cheltenham – 11th February
- Yate – 18th February
- Swindon (Lydiard Park) – 25th February
These launches will take us to the six walking groups that Jeff originally set out to achieve; a huge step forward for the programme.
Looking ahead, our ambition doesn’t stop there. Our goal is to reach 10+ Walk ‘N’ Talk groups by the end of 2026. Why? Because the impact is real. If each group welcomes just 20 people, across 10 groups, that’s 200 people every Wednesday experiencing connection, support, and a positive moment in their week.
Each walk also becomes a local hub for Best Mates, allowing us to build relationships and deliver further support and services in those towns and cities where they’re needed most.
This is how change happens, one walk, one conversation, one community at a time.
What is Walk ‘N’ Talk?
It’s a weekly Best Mates initiative that brings people together in a safe, welcoming space to walk, talk, and connect. It’s open to anyone who wants support, conversation, or simply to get out in the fresh air with others who understand.
Each walk offers more than just exercise; it provides community, reassurance, and a starting point for people who may be facing life’s challenges. For some, it’s a chance to chat. For others, it’s the first step towards accessing further support through Best Mates. Everyone is welcome, just as they are
How You Can Help – Leaders & Sponsors Needed
As this continues to grow across the county, we’re always looking for local leaders and supporters to help us reach more people.
We need:
- Volunteer walk leaders who can commit to running a weekly walk in their area
- Local businesses and sponsors who want to support their community through funding, resources, or staff volunteering
By helping us lead or sponsor a Walk ‘N’ Talk, you’re directly supporting people in your community and helping Best Mates create lasting local impact.
If you’d like to get involved, please get in touch at jeff.tucker@bestmates.org. Together, we can reach more people, one walk at a time.
Women Who Walk – 25km Challenge
A huge well done to every single woman who took on the 25km ‘Women Who Walk’ challenge.
What an incredible display of determination, resilience, and togetherness. Miles were covered, limits were pushed, and most importantly, vital awareness was raised along the way.
These events are about far more than distance. They are about showing what is possible when people come together with a shared purpose, supporting one another through the tough moments and celebrating every step forward.
A special shout-out must go to Corinne, who organised the event and made sure everyone involved was supported from start to finish. From planning and coordination to encouragement on the day, her effort helped everyone smash it and made the whole experience what it was.
Thank you to everyone who walked, supported, donated, and cheered from the sidelines. The impact of this event will be felt well beyond the 25km, and we are incredibly proud to be part of it.
Meet Your Mates
Name: Tia Newman
Location: Bristol
Hobbies: Reading
Fav food: Any kind of bread
Holiday destination: Favourite? Prague at Christmas. Dream? Bora Bora
Pet Hate: Slow people
Fun fact about myself: I used to play rugby
Why I became a Mate: I became a mate to be the person I wish I had when things got hard, and be someone that can ground others
Area of Support (superpower): Neurodiversity, body struggles and university stress
Best Thing About Being in Best Mates: To be surrounded by such positive people that are working hard to educate others, listen to others and share their experiences with those who need it most. It’s pretty special to see!
Coming next month…
A brand new prize draw! Keep your eyes peeled for all the details.
Turning Support Into Real Impact
Here’s a snapshot of the impact we’ve made together up to 20th January 2026, showing how your support is changing lives.
