Redfern men are tackling social isolation as a new local chapter joins The Man Walk. This Australian charity has nationwide participants who have walked over 2.5 billion steps to improve their mental health and social connections.
The Man Walk began in Kiama, NSW, in 2018, as a personal effort by its founder to start each day positively. This simple morning ritual unexpectedly grew into one of Australia’s fastest-growing men’s health charities, now reaching communities across Australia and internationally.
The organisation says its purpose is to foster connections, provide opportunities for men to share stories, and create a sense of belonging, which is a vital support for many.
Addressing a Global Health Threat
The Man Walk promotes men’s physical, mental, and social health through regular physical activity and social interaction. It creates a space for men to build social connections and feel part of a community, helping to strengthen social support networks. The initiative aims to make it easier for men to talk about their feelings and ask for help when needed.
Research indicates that men who are not lonely tend to have better mental health, with lower rates of depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that loneliness is a significant global health threat, with its health impacts being comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes daily.
The Redfern Connection
A local “Manbassador” for Redfern has started the new chapter, driven by his understanding of the importance of men’s mental health. This 43-year-old married man, a father of two children aged seven and four, moved to the Surry Hills/Redfern area a decade ago.
He noted that after relocating from regional NSW, where he had strong support networks through schooling and sports, he felt these connections lessened as he got older. Family commitments took priority over playing sports.
He has observed a strong sense of community in the Redfern area as his children became involved in school and other activities. Through these interactions, he connected with other fathers who face similar challenges balancing work, family, and children.
He hopes to encourage these men, and others in the community, to join the walk as a practical way to stay connected, recognising that men often find it difficult to organise social gatherings themselves.
Measuring the Impact
The Man Walk tracks its positive effects by gathering regular participant feedback through surveys and monitoring attendance, retention, and engagement levels via its dedicated app. While the app is still under development to provide exact figures, current estimates show that each walk covers an average of five kilometres, with each kilometre equating to approximately 1500 steps.
On average, 15 walkers attend each session, and there are currently 83 active walks, with each walk taking place an average of 275 times. These figures highlight the significant and growing participation in The Man Walk movement.
Published Date 20-May-2025
