Trunks and Hunks Group | Men's Mental Health Reset

Origins of the Trunks and Hunks Movement

Joe Wills founded the sea swimming group Trunks and Hunks in Eastbourne in 2025 after facing his own struggles with alcohol and mental health. He reached a point where his coping mechanisms led to destruction rather than healing. Wills realized that traditional avenues like betting shops or pubs failed to provide the support he needed. He sought to create a space for other men who felt stuck in similar patterns of isolation. The concept was simple yet effective: use the cold water and a shared activity to bridge the gap between men who otherwise would not speak.

Since its inception, the initiative expanded significantly across the East Sussex coast. Sessions now run twice a week in Eastbourne, Hastings, and Seaford. Hundreds of men participate in these gatherings to swim, drink coffee, and talk. The group functions on the premise that physical activity removes the social barrier that often prevents men from discussing personal trauma. Wills notes that men frequently guard their thoughts, but the physical environment of the sea changes the dynamic. It acts as an equalizer where status and background disappear against the cold water.

The Experience of the Cold Water Reset

Participants describe the act of entering the sea as a reset button for their cognitive state. Karl Lloyd-Buckingham, a regular attendee who joined after a significant personal tragedy, credits the group with providing a level of support that traditional counseling failed to offer him. On days when he struggles with grief, the cold water forces a change in focus. He described the period after his daughter passed as hell on earth, yet the presence of the group allowed him to process his situation differently. The water serves as a sensory interrupt that makes the internal mental noise manageable.

Other members echo the sentiment that the environment is non-judgmental. Mark Trigg and Ben Windsor, who have become staples of the Eastbourne sessions, emphasize that the shared vulnerability is not a sign of weakness. Windsor admits he previously viewed sharing as a deficit, but he now sees the exchange of stories as a gain. The social structure of the group allows men to exist together without the pressure of typical social expectations. They walk to the water, submerge, and talk, creating a repetitive ritual that anchors their week.

Data and Broader Context for Men's Mental Health

The existence of groups like Trunks and Hunks addresses a documented gap in public health outcomes. A survey conducted by the Priory group found that 40% of men have never discussed their mental health with anyone. Nearly 30% reported that they felt too embarrassed to bring up the subject. This reticence often leads to the destructive coping behaviors that Wills observed before starting the group. By creating a platform that centers on an activity rather than a clinical setting, the organization bypasses the stigma that keeps many men from seeking help.

Looking ahead, Wills plans to expand the footprint of the group to more coastal towns. He envisions the project as a beacon for men who feel disconnected or overwhelmed. While professional mental health services provide critical intervention, the success of this local project suggests that community-based initiatives play a necessary role in preventing crises before they reach a boiling point. The growth of these sessions shows that when barriers to entry are removed, men are willing to engage in honest, supportive dialogue. The future of this project rests on its ability to maintain its organic feel while scaling to accommodate a larger member base across the region.