Men’s Mental Health Initiative Provides Space for Vulnerability

Scott Johnson, 37, of Bermondsey, south London, who founded a men’s mental health initiative in the capital, stated that “They can really let their guard down with us.” He established The Proper Blokes Club CIC in September 2020. The organization currently assists approximately 500 men through weekly walk and talk sessions held at 15 sites across London. Mr. Johnson remarked, “The trajectory has gone through the roof now,” adding, “And the more it grows, the more it is helping people who need the support.” Evening walks are conducted by the organization in Finchley, Greenwich, Hornchurch, Redbridge, Rickmansworth, Romford, Southwark, Streatham, Sutton, Upminster, Uxbridge, Wallington, and Woolwich. Mr. Johnson noted, “Some people come once a month, some people go to different walks.” He explained the operational model: “The way the model works is I go initially to start a walk for the first six to eight weeks, and then I identify a walk leader, or two or three that are coming every week that are committed to making a difference in their communities.” Mr. Johnson indicated that these men subsequently assume leadership of the walks and serve as group contacts, while he manages administrative and marketing duties. He further stated, “Once we find people to lead those individual groups, that frees me up then to go to a new area and then start a new walk there.” He mentioned that during the organization’s initial three years, its expansion was more gradual and organic. According to Mr. Johnson, since he left his previous employment to dedicate himself full-time to The Proper Blokes Club, its growth trajectory has significantly accelerated. He commented, “It’s been amazing,” adding, “It’s had its challenges, but it’s been great seeing it grow.” He reiterated, “And the more it grows, the more it is helping people who need the support.” Mr. Johnson noted that he seldom pauses to reflect on his pride regarding the group’s accomplishments. “Seeing a new person come down is like a mini success,” he stated, adding, “I’m proud of all those guys that come down.” Mr. Johnson reported that work-related issues were among the most frequent reasons men joined the clubs, though discussion subjects varied widely. He observed, “Some guys just like coming down and talking to a new group of guys, where they can be a bit more relaxed.” “They don’t need to put up the facade of whatever they are in front of their friends and family, they can really let their guard down with us – be the real them,” he explained. “It’s all done at their own pace as well,” he emphasized. “You could come for two years before you say anything that’s really bothering you, or you could say it on the first night, it doesn’t make a difference.” He assured, “You’re never going to be pushed to do something you don’t want to do.” “What I find is it does happen quite quickly, because the lads are so relaxed in their conversation, it brings the guard down with some of these new guys and conversations happen quite quickly,” Mr. Johnson added. The success of the walks prompted Mr. Johnson to introduce daytime drop-in sessions and a weekly event exclusively for fathers in Greenwich, which includes a creche for children. He commented, “I’m quite impatient, so if I’ve got an idea I need to get it moving.” “As soon as I can get these things up and running, the more people I can help and support,” he continued. Mr. Johnson anticipates further expansion in the New Year with a new initiative named Talk FC. “It’s using football to start the conversation,” he explained, describing it as “a real leveller.” This Thursday, he plans to walk approximately 100km (62 miles) along a route encompassing football clubs throughout London, commencing at Charlton Athletic and concluding at Millwall Football Club. He aims for the 24-hour walk to generate £1,500 for Talk FC equipment, enabling sessions to commence in February 2025. He envisions men being referred to the club, which will run an eight-week program. Subsequently, he hopes these men will transition into one of the walk and talk groups. Mr. Johnson stated that this progression model was inspired by his personal experience with counselling. “There’s no real exit strategy,” he commented, adding, “I think that’s one of the things that’s a little bit missing.” “A lot of people come out of that still needing the support, and they’re a little bit lost,” he observed. He anticipates the weekly walk and talk sessions will serve as an exit strategy for individuals completing the Talk FC program. “They can carry on that process of getting that support they need,” he concluded.