Photo: Supplied.
BY JAN NARY
A group of blokes walking and talking together mightn’t sound like a big deal, but for some it can be a life-changer. Five years ago, Jeff Kruger and his mate, Mitchell Rowing, started a group based on just that – men getting together every Sunday morning to take a walk, talk, and connect in the beautiful Minnippi Parklands.
The group started when a long-time mate of Jeff’s was going through a hard time.
“I suggested that we could go for a walk and a talk – a better alternative than going for a beer – we really enjoyed the day, so we decided to lock it in for every Sunday and open it to other people,” Jeff says.
“I went home that day, designed a logo, set up a Facebook page and put an invite out, and the first weekend we had 11 blokes turn up. It’s really about connection; there are a lot of blokes out there who think they’re doing it alone and that’s when you can fall down, when you think you’re alone, and you don’t have a mate to lean on. You might be dealing with the loss of a partner or a family member, a relationship breakup or PTSD – we have many first responder veterans turn up.”
The structure of the group is ideal for its participants; it’s a regular and reliable healthy activity, it’s there when needed with no compulsion, expectations or dress code.
“We’ve tried to keep that part of it very simple; if you overcomplicate things with blokes, they’ll find a reason not to come,” Jeff grins.
The structure also offers a safe space for communication. Men who have been brought up to believe that they’re obliged to be consistently strong and brave, to “have it all figured out” in Jeff’s words, can find face-to-face conversations about personal matters difficult. Walking side by side outdoors triggers more unselfconscious communications.
“You can be talking about anything, then suddenly something unexpected comes out, maybe something they’ve never told anyone before. That can feel really good!” Jeff says, “A lot of enduring friendships have come out of it”
His initiative won Jeff the 2023 Westfield Local Hero, but he’s quick to share the recognition with friend and co-founder Mitchell Rowing.
“He does so much with the blokes in the community, checking in on people, keeping connections – he’s a real force, I couldn’t do anything without that fella.”
There are also daily coffee catch-ups and monthly dinners (sometimes including families), training courses and other walk options. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/MensWalkTalkConnect.
