Take steps for men’s mental health this March with Walk for a Bloke
Warning: This article mentions suicide. If you need help, contact Lifeline 13 11 14
The crisis of men’s mental health is often a silent one, but upwards of 3,000 men are expected to speak – and step – out in support of each other at this year’s Walk for a Bloke.
The annual event, which has been running ‘officially’ since 2022, where only 110 walked, isn’t just a fundraiser; it’s a chance for men from all walks of life to come together and start conversations they otherwise might not be able to have.
“Something special happens when you’re walking that far with other blokes,” co-founder of Spoke to a Bloke Scott Osborne tells NL. “When you’re walking shoulder to shoulder, it tends to open up conversations. The first step for any bloke going through challenges is talking to someone. The walk is about turning up, supporting the cause, and actually opening up and having some conversations on the day.”
Spoke to a Bloke, the charity behind the walk, was founded by friends and brothers Scott, Matt and Paul after they lost the fourth member of their brotherhood, Nick, who tragically took his own life in 2021. Prior to his passing, Nick had ‘unofficially’ started the Walk in 2019, which inspired the creation of the official fundraiser to ensure no man would be left behind.
Since the four-man ‘walk’ in 2019, Walk for a Bloke has gone worldwide, with 30 walks planned globally this year, a massive increase from last year’s 19.
“It’s mixed feelings, right? Because we wish it wasn’t necessary,” Scott explains. “But being able to help more blokes is what we’re in this for. Growing the walk helps us do that.
“My favourite part of the walk is early in the morning when we’re setting up, ready to go. Seeing all the participants – all the blokes – start to arrive, it’s amazing looking out and seeing everyone in the same shirt, all walking for the same cause.”
The Sydney North Walk for a Bloke will start at the Spit Bridge, snaking along the Mosman coast to cross the Harbour Bridge and end at Jackson’s on George in Circular Quay, where they will meet up with the Sydney South Walk participants. Multiple checkpoints are set up along the way for participants to rest and refuel, as well as to mark the route.
While the walk itself is men only, Scott recognises that tackling mental health is a community effort. “It takes everyone. Non-blokes can participate in volunteering, raising funds, creating awareness, getting men to register and also joining us at the end of walk celebration – that’s very much open to everyone.”
Money raised by the walk goes to a variety of programs, all dedicated to improving the connections between men and their mental health. Not only does Spoke to a Bloke have its own programs, including the Get Men Talking workshops, MINDS video series, and 121 assistance subsidies, but the walk leaders for each location identify initiatives in each local community to assist.
“What might be important in one location doesn’t necessarily match in another. So those funds go back into community programs directly to assist and support men’s mental health.”
Scott and the other founders are looking forward to the walk this year, and encourage everyone who can to register. “Last year, we had 2,000 plus. This year we’re looking at more than 3,000 participants. You’re not alone, that’s for sure.
“Talk to someone and take that first step. That will lead to your second and third,” Scott says. “Holding it in and not saying anything to anyone, it just festers. Talking to someone, be it a professional, your mate, your partner, whoever – it really will help.”
Saturday 21 March
6.30am for 7am start
Mosman to Circular Quay