A GROUP in Bude is doing its bit to help local men take care of their physical and mental health.

Since 2023, Bude Wellness Warriors has been providing a space for men looking to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing. Steve Hudson launched the group following his own wellness journey after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2020.

Steve’s aim was to bring together local men that wanted to improve their physical and mental health, providing peer support space for them to share experiences and learn from and support each other, as well as providing opportunities for the men of Bude to explore new wellness activities that support their own personal growth.

Speaking to the Post, Steve said: “Men peer support groups like ours are important because historically men have not been very good at looking after themselves and have often suppressed their thoughts and emotions by overworking, self medicating and not talking.

“Combined with modern technology, changes in society and poor lifestyle choices there has been massive increases in addictions, mental health conditions and suicides which could be avoided through connection, healthier lifestyles and rediscovering what being a strong, resilient, mature, masculine man is.”

Now going into its third year, the group enjoyed a number of highlights throughout 2025.

Reflecting on the year, Steve said: “This year we’ve walked side by side along the coast and through the countryside, shared early-morning cold water dips that tested our comfort zones, and gathered in the heat of the sweat lodge to reset, release, and reconnect. We’ve sat together at Warrior Camp, opening honest conversations around the fire, and allowed ourselves to fully rest and receive during a deeply nourishing sound bath. We’ve also committed to growth through our mindfulness course, building tools to support our mental and emotional wellbeing beyond our time together.

“Every walk, every dip, every circle has been about one thing: connection. Connection to ourselves, to each other, and to something deeper that reminds us we’re not meant to do life alone. The courage, openness, and brotherhood shown this year has been nothing short of inspiring.”

Members of the Wellness Warriors have praised the group’s supportive environment.

Ian, who joined in 2025, said: “Having made the move to Cornwall in Summer 2024, I joined the Bude Wellness Warriors in November and was made to feel very welcome. The weekly breath work and cold water therapy sessions are part of my Saturday morning routine and the monthly hikes across our incredible landscape have been amazing. It’s also given me the opportunity take part in an eight week mindfulness and meditation course, which has been great, but not only have these events being beneficial for my own mental and physical wellbeing, it’s really enjoyable to be with a group of like-minded men.

“Bude Wellness Warriors is a great place to join in, for as little or as often as you want, and provides a great support network for anyone to take part and connect.”

Those looking to join the group can get in touch via [email protected]