Proper Blokes Walk and Talk for mental health

What’s a proper bloke? Scott Johnson, the driving force behind the Proper Blokes Club, asks this question when he introduces the community group, which helps men look after their mental health through walking and talking.  

 “Where I’m from, the term ‘bloke’ is bandied around all the time,” says Scott.  “A proper bloke in my eyes is someone that doesn’t change any of their personality or their characteristics, but they have an empathetic ear, and they’re going to answer the question ‘how are you doing?’ honestly.” 

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, spotlighting an issue that has become more and more prominent in the national conversation in recent years. Proper Blokes Club has grown from its origins here in Southwark to now run 14 walks a week and counting across various London boroughs.