A community project aimed at breaking the stigma around men’s mental health has gone from strength to strength since launching in Rickmansworth one year ago.
The Proper Blokes Club is a community project founded by Scott Johnson and encourages men to talk openly about mental health while enjoying exercise in the fresh air.
Scott launched The Proper Blokes Club in 2020 in his home borough of Southwark after suffering with his mental health in silence for more than a decade. The project has now expanded to more than 16 areas, hosting a number of weekly walks across various locations.
One year ago, on September 21, 2023, The Proper Blokes Club launched their first walk in Rickmansworth led by resident Richard Kelly. Eighteen men turned up for the first walk and many more have attended since.
The group meets weekly on Thursdays at 7pm outside Rickmansworth Station for a one-hour walk.
In June 2024, Scott announced that The Proper Blokes Club had received funding. This will allow the project to open a temporary drop-in centre in Rickmansworth, providing a safe space for residents to come down, find out more and talk about any problems.
Scott said: “We try and create a safe environment. Lads who want to talk about specific issues can, but if they don’t want to talk about anything that’s bothering them and just want to be in the company of like-minded people, that’s fine too.
“Most of the things we talk about are what normal groups of lads would talk about anyway, but we have that added knowledge that if you did need to talk about something, you can, rather than bottling it up.”
To find out more about The Proper Blokes Club and how you can get involved, please visit their website.
Photo Credit: Proper Blokes Club
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