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In this episode, I talk to Scott Oughton-Johnson, the founder of The Proper Bloke's Club, a peer-to-peer support group with the aim to provide a safe and relaxed environment to break down the stigma of men talking about their mental health.
Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50. Sadly, 115 people die by suicide in the UK every week, with 75% of those deaths being male. (ONS). Scott explains how his organisation is trying to improve men's mental health by getting the conversation started so men can open up and talk by walking together as a group.
Exercise has been a proven way to help people with any sort of mental health issues by releasing endorphins that make you feel good about yourself. Walking is free, so makes a great way to start and gets men out in the fresh air with around 200 of Scott's 'lads' benefitting from The Proper Blokes Club to date.
I then talk to Danny, one of Scott's lads, who suffered a long period of ill health which impacted his mental health. He was offered antidepressants and computer-based training (CBT) courses by his GP but they weren't right for him. Finally, he was convinced by his best friend to approach Scott's walking group. It took him months before he plucked up the courage to reach out but after meeting Scott and going for that first walk, he felt like a weight had been lifted and he was able to be honest with his friends and family; something that he wishes he had been able to do earlier.
"No one walks alone...the act of walking actually takes your mind off the talking and it just seems to flow. I think they're hand in hand".
To find out more about The Proper Blokes Club visit the website: https://theproperblokesclub.co.uk/ or email: theproperblokesclub@gmail.com or call Scott: 07397 501110.
