Bench2Bench: Walking for Men’s Mental Health

On Sunday, 27th July, our Health Manager, Sean Graves, alongside a group of Wednesdayites, completed the “Bench2Bench Walk” – a powerful 44-mile journey connecting five iconic football clubs in a single day. The walk began at 4am at Derby County FC and finished 14 hours later at Sheffield Wednesday FC.

The walk was organised by Simon Clarke, founder of Speakeasy Club, whose mission is to provide free well-being and mental health resources in every community sports venue around the world.

It wasn’t about the steps or the miles – it was about connection, community, and raising awareness for men’s mental health. Along the route, the group visited Chesterfield FC, Sheffield FC, and Sheffield United FC, stopping at special Speakeasy Benches & Barrels which were designed to encourage honest conversations and were provided free by Speakeasy Club, with more than 58 installed across the country.

“It wasn’t easy at all – 44 miles and 90,000 steps. There were moments that tested the group both mentally and physically. But what carried us through was each other – a group of men, most meeting for the first time at 4am that morning, sharing laughter, honest conversations, and a common goal. We started as strangers and ended as teammates, walking for some truly meaningful causes,” said Sean Graves, Health Manager at SWFCCP.

“What happens on the pitch is important, but the work these trusts, foundations, and programmes do – and the positive impact they have on people in the community – is where the real success lies,” added Simon Clarke, founder of Speakeasy Club.

For more information about Speakeasy Club, visit:
https://www.speakeasyclub.co.uk