Men's group aims to 'break mental health stigma'

Men's support group The Proper Blokes Club has started a regular weekly walk group in Eastbourne

A growing support group in London that aims to break the stigma attached to men talking openly about mental health is expanding to the South East.

Kevin Wallis, who lives in Pevensey Bay in East Sussex but is originally from London, joined The Proper Blokes Club (TPBC) in 2022 and has since become a lead member.

Mr Wallis said: "Before I joined TPBC, I was undergoing problems at work and other things in my life. I had also contemplated taking my own life.

His wife suggested he attend one of TPBC's support groups in Sutton after seeing the group's social media post.

"Initially I was unsure, but I went along anyway. I realised there were other people similar to myself and no one judged me," he said.

After retiring from his job, the couple sold their London home and relocated to East Sussex.

Mr Wallis worked with Scott Johnson, founder of TPBC, and started an Eastbourne weekly walk group in April.

Mr Johnson, from south London, said so far 15 people have signed up to be regular members.

Founder of The Proper Blokes Club Scott Johnson (front) and team member Kevin Wallis (back) are pushing to break the stigma attached to men when they seek mental health support

Since TPBC's launch in 2020, more than 500 men take part in its weekly walks and drop-in sessions across London.

He said: "The groups have grown so much and it's only getting busier. We've had people across the country asking if there's a group near them."

Mr Johnson started TPBC after undergoing family issues and, due to the stress, he turned to gambling and alcohol.

When Mr Johnson researched mental health groups, he said he could not find one that suited him.

"There were many groups where people sit in a circle and talk about their problems," he said.

"I felt intimidated by that so I started up TPBC. Men talk more freely in more casual settings and they can form strong bonds."

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday, Mr Johnson and co-founder Ed Gibson are undertaking an 85-mile (136km) walk from Deal Pier to Eastbourne Pier on Thursday.

"We are walking to raise funds so TPBC can create more safe spaces for men to share their mental health experiences and find support," Mr Johnson said.

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