Since 2018, the Man Walk (an internally registered charity) has been supporting men’s mental health through casual social opportunities.
Across Australia, there are more than 100 registered Walk’s, each individualised to their community.
Across the nation, more than 20,000 men have joined their local Walk.
Clyde Kennedy is now hoping to add another to the list by starting his own Man Walk in Young.
“It’s a way of men coming together in an informal way to hold space for each other and check up on each other,” he says.
While some groups meet up to two times a week, Clyde says the Young Walk will meet weekly at 6.30am on Wednesday outside 196 Café where the group will embark on a 3-4km walk.
Clyde has seen firsthand the benefits participants can get from the group, having participated in one himself in Temora for more than seven months however, the travel was beginning to get to him.
“I’ve been commuting over there weekly,” he says.
“When I moved [to Young] there was nothing in this sort of space, and I really wanted to connect with community and establish a better network and meet other men in a healthy way.
“I’m not really a sportsman and I’m not really a guy that goes down to the pub, so I was really looking at other ways that I could meet guys.”
The first Young Man Walk met on Wednesday 20 May and will continue meeting every Wednesday after that. Anyone over the age of 18 is invited to participate.
“The only reason we say 18 plus is that there could be some very adult conversations that may transpire through these groups, such as guys that are going through stuff, suicidal thoughts or marital problems,” says Clyde.
After the 40 minute walk, which Clyde says will likely be around the town, the group will come back to the café for a coffee and chat for anyone wishing to stay behind.
“I’m going to be there rain, hail or shine,” says Clyde.
“I got really inspired by the founder of the movement and I thought it’s a really good movement.
“He’s trying to take on some pretty big problems: social isolation, loneliness and suicide prevention.
“We’re all going through something and [The Man Walk] is a way of establishing a support network of friends.”
Clyde says he describes the network as a group of people who aren’t your mates, families or family, but something in between.
“When you see it in motion, it is actually a pretty beautiful thing to see all the guys checking up on each other and being there for each other,” he says.
The charity’s motto is ‘Walk, Talk, Support’ and Clyde says it is about time they addressed the void in Young.
“If I can make a difference and help even one guy get through something a little bit difficult, it’ll be all worthwhile,” he says.
“There are some older guys in our community that are vulnerable and live alone. They’ve gone through the loss of a spouse or family and have no-one, and this might be something that they can get involved with and hopefully fill a void.”
Overall, Clyde says it all falls down to taking the first step, which can be a little difficult for some.
“It is awkward,” he says.
“It’s awkward for them and it’s also awkward for me.
“I don’t know how any of this is going to go, I’ve put myself out there on a bit of a limb and am hoping somebody will come along.”
With increasing cost-of-living pressures, isolation and loneliness, Clyde says it is more important than ever to speak up.
“There’s never been a harder time,” he says.
“If you don’t have a support network, it can be extremely difficult.”
No conversation is too small or unimportant.
For more information about The Man Walk, visit www.themanwalk.com.
Elizabeth Kovacs
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.