City workers feeling the pressures of high-stress jobs are being encouraged to open up through a new mental health initiative offering weekly “walk and talk” sessions in the heart of London’s
financial district.
The Proper Blokes Club has launched free guided walks designed to give men working in the Square Mile a space to decompress, share experiences and support each other. The group meets every Tuesday at 10am by the Duke of Wellington statue outside the Royal Exchange.
The project is the latest from the community interest company founded by Bermondsey-born Millwall supporter and youth football coach Scott Johnson. Johnson created the club after facing his own mental health challenges and has since expanded it into a growing network for men’s wellbeing.
Funding for the City walks comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund, administered by the City of London Corporation and financed through contributions from new developments across the Square Mile.
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said: “While perceptions are changing, there remains a stigma around men’s mental health and men are often reluctant to talk about these issues, particularly in the workplace, for fear of being seen as weak.
“We’re really pleased to be able to support the great work Scott is doing to break the stigma and to encourage men working in the Square Mile to talk about what they’re going through in an informal and non-judgmental environment.”
The City Corporation funding is also supporting Proper Blokes Club to provide drop-in sessions to men working at construction sites in the City. Shockingly, construction workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.
Proper Blokes Club Founder Scott Johnson said: “I set up Proper Blokes Club because I wanted to create something that I needed in my own life but that wasn’t available at the time. The attitude was always ‘lighten up, grow a pair, have a couple of pints and get over it’.
“The walk and talk is just about creating a space where guys can come together to help each other out and walk in the fresh air. We want to take away any pressure and make it as easy as possible, so you don’t have to sign up – just come along.”
Further information about the sessions can be found at the Proper Blokes Club website. Photo by Facebook.