Blokes walking together at the crack of dawn sipping lattes may not be the first thing you expect to see in Griffith, but that's about to change.
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A social well being movement to combat social isolation in men has found a new home in Griffith with the first meeting of the Man Walk Griffith to kick off Friday morning.
The Man Walk 'Manbassador' Brett Jones is putting the feelers out to start a regular Man Walk group in Griffith to get locals out and about, enjoying a yarn or two and supporting one another.
"We are not counselors or mental health professionals so it's not for talking through personal issues, it's for men to have a healthy escape. To go for a walk, clear their head, kick the day off well and have a chat with like minded guys," Mr Jones said.
"There's no membership we don't make any money, it's non-judgmental, there's no pressure to come every week, it's just a group of guys getting together on a regular basis going for a walk.
"On days when it's pouring with rain we don't go we just sit in the coffee shop and have a banter instead."
Men tend to struggle making new friends said Mr Jones, they will have their group of friends that they have had since primary school but don't tend to reach out for company. This often leads to social isolation and loneliness which can have a negative impact on men's well being.
"Men need to know they are not the only ones going through stuff - they need to know there's other guys out there in the same situation and it's okay," Mr Jones said.
The Man Walk started in 2018 in Kiama NSW and Mr Jones was among some of the first members of the group. Now there are around 2500 active walkers and 38 walking groups in NSW all meeting on a weekly basis to take their strolls.
The Man Walk Griffith group will meet at 6.30am Friday February 12 from Cocoa and Bean Cafe on Yambil street and take off from there at around 6.45am for 45 to 60 minutes.
"I really have no idea how many will turn up yet, I hope it's not too many because I'm paying for the coffees for the first one!" Mr Jones joked.
To join the group or find out more info check out the Man Walk Griffith Facebook page.
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Kat is a former English teacher to international students and has taught all over the world. She is beginning a new career as a journalist with the Area News. Got something you want to chat about? She's all ears.
Kat is a former English teacher to international students and has taught all over the world. She is beginning a new career as a journalist with the Area News. Got something you want to chat about? She's all ears.
