Real Men’s Health is showcasing excellence in men’s health programs through our Men’s Health Program Series.
In each article, we will ask 5 questions of a featured program organiser & gain insight into what they do and their thoughts on men’s health today.
In this article, we speak with Mark Burns from The Man Walk.
Q1: Could you please describe your role in the organisation?
I’m the Founder and CEO of The Man Walk. The Man Walk began in Kiama, NSW, in 2018, as a personal journey to start my day on the right foot. At that time, I was stuck in routines that weren’t doing me any good. Making the decision to rise early and walk around Kiama Harbour each morning was a game changer for me, and so eventually a few of my mates started to join too.
I never imagined that my morning ritual would evolve into one of the fastest growing Men’s Health Charities in Australia. Yet here we are, with The Man Walk reaching men in communities across the country, and even beyond our shore. As the organisation grew, we built a structure, and I moved into my current role as the CEO.
Q2: Could you please describe what your organisation does?
The Man Walk provides an opportunity for men to get together and walk and talk in a positive, supportive and inclusive environment. There is no judgment, pressure or expectations. Just turn up when you feel like it and walk with a group of blokes in a light-hearted, safe and supportive environment. We want to help men to become strong role model for their children, families, and communities.
Our mission is connecting men and strengthening communities, and our vision is combating social isolation and loneliness. The Man Walk is a primary prevention organisation that offers blokes a chance for a free weekly walk and talk in over 80 locations around Australia, and even one in Japan now as well!
Q3: What are the biggest changes you have observed within the men’s health space over the past 5-years?
Most noticeable, a decreased stigma, which is really pleasing. There’s a noticeable shift in societal attitudes, with men becoming more open to discussing their emotions and seeking support. The traditional barriers, those cultural expectations that men should “tough it out” or avoid sharing their struggles, are beginning to fade, paving the way for a healthier and more connected community. Blokes are looking for opportunities to connect, to speak, to share their feelings and I think there’s a lot more opportunity for that.
The Man Walk and other community-based mental health groups have emerged, creating safe spaces where men feel comfortable expressing themselves, sharing experiences, and forming meaningful connections. Men are actively looking for ways to prioritise their wellbeing. More and more, they are stepping up, openly discussing mental health, and showing vulnerability, which is really special to see.
Q4: If hypothetically, the Government offered you an unrestricted $1M grant tomorrow, what one project would you spend it all on?
Well, that would be a dream, wouldn’t it! I think our top priority would be to expand and fully develop The Man Walk app. This digital platform would serve as a unifying tool, connecting men and communities on a national scale and providing a comprehensive hub for resources, engagement, and support. We are doing such a great job connecting men and strengthening communities with our walks, but building out this app will be the next level of that.
Currently, our app is in its initial phase, limited to our “Manbassadors” and committee but a significant funding boost would allow us to scale its functionality to benefit all members of The Man Walk and The Women of The Man Walk Communities. This upgraded app would not just provide information on nearby walks, track individual achievements, and tally distances walked, but it would become an all-encompassing platform for men’s health and wellbeing, where men could engage in regular wellbeing check-ins, sign up for our Mental Fitness for Leaders program, register for annual treks like Kokoda or Mount Everest, and stay connected with the latest news and resources we offer.
Importantly, it would also facilitate communication between walkers and walks nationwide, while allowing family and community members, including women involved with The Man Walk, to engage in our mission. Additionally, the app would offer a dedicated space to recognize and celebrate our sponsors, collaborators, and supporters, creating a more integrated community that actively furthers men’s mental health and wellbeing. With this app, we’d be able to spread The Man Walk’s mission more effectively than ever, offering men across Australia more opportunities to connect, educate themselves, and enhance their overall wellbeing.
Q5: And lastly, do you have a favourite sports team, when & why did you start supporting them?
The answer is the Balmain Tigers… I started supporting them in 1979. But, just quietly, I’m extremely disappointed with the NRL and the forced merger with Western Suburbs Magpies. So, I can’t actually say they’re my favourite team anymore because they kind of no longer exist… it’s because of that I’ve chosen another underperforming team in the New South Wales Waratahs and the Wallabies to support. So, I guess you could say I like an underdog…
Thank you for sharing with Real Men’s Health
