Photo: Supplied.
BY JAN NARY
“Our world’s becoming dominated by communication over phones and digital messages, and some people’s lifestyles can isolate them from the community, so it’s nice to have person-to-person contact, especially if you’re going through a rough patch.”
Shon Bailey is from the Men’s Walk and Talk Redlands, which has a regular turn up of about 20 men every Sunday getting together to – well, to walk and talk.
“Sometimes just having someone to chat to in a non-judgemental environment is pretty good,” he says.
“You might be new to the area, not know anyone and not sure how to make contacts, you might be going through a breakup or loss of someone special, you could be in a bad headspace and need to have a bit of a chat with other guys to realise that you’re not alone, you have a community. It means that partners and families aren’t the only ones to unburden on.”
Shon says that some first-timers aren’t sure what to expect: “Is it just going to be a bunch of guys having a whinge?” But it’s a no-pressure, no-formalities group, just a healthy Sunday walk that offers the men an outlet to share thoughts and feelings and what’s going on for them.
“It can range from needing an outlet to just wanting to have a yarn about the footy,” he says. “It’s a good cross-generational environment for those who don’t get to mix much out of their own age range. We have retirees and young dads with bubs in prams. For young guys, it can offer the chance to mix with good role models and be reminded that you can be masculine and still be a good bloke.”
The role of families is always respected. There are family barbecues, and about two-thirds of the men come on the recommendations of their wives or girlfriends. The group supports charities, especially those focused on domestic violence.
For those who can’t get away on Sunday morning, the group will be trying out an after-work walk, maybe followed by a meal.
For more information, check the Men’s Walk and Talk Redlands Facebook page, or just turn up outside the Mt Cotton IGA at 7:30am on Sunday mornings.
