JEFFREYS BAY – Jeffreys Bay will host the first-ever Walk for a Bloke on South African soil as part of the global Spoke to a Bloke initiative, a movement dedicated to strengthening men’s mental well-being through conversation, connection and meaningful movement.
Spoke to a Bloke was founded in 2021 in Australia by Paul, Matt and Scott after the loss of their brother, Nick.
In their grief, they set out on a 25km walk they had previously completed with him.
What began as a personal journey quickly grew into something bigger when 120 friends joined them.
From that moment, Spoke to a Bloke evolved into a growing international movement focused on changing how men talk about and support mental health.
Jeffreys Bay Walk leader, Barry Tonkin, said that when men are given space to connect, healing begins.
“Born from heartbreak but built on brotherhood, Spoke to a Bloke is now a growing movement changing the way we talk about and support men’s mental health,” said Tonkin.
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According to the South African Federation for Mental Health, approximately 18 to 19 men die by suicide daily in South Africa, placing the country 10th worldwide for suicide rates.
Furthermore, the Spoke to a Bloke website reports that approximately seven men die by suicide daily in Australia.
Tonkin said that these high rates are driven by several factors such as economic stress, high unemployment rates, substance abuse and limited mental health resources.
At the centre of the initiative is the Walk for a Bloke, a 25km walk designed to encourage open conversation, connection and friendship, while raising funds for mental health projects in local communities.
The organisation also runs a range of projects aimed at helping men connect and build resilience.
“Walk for a Bloke sits at the heart of this movement. It’s more than a fundraiser; it’s a meaningful 25km journey that encourages conversation, connection, and the kind of friendship that can change lives. Every step helps raise vital funds that support mental health projects in the community,” said Tonkin.
He said that bringing the movement to South Africa was deeply personal for him.
“Having lost a number of friends over the years to suicide and also having had my own battles with mental health, I had to find a way to get involved,” said Tonkin.
“What better place to engage in conversations and make new friendships than the stunning Jeffreys Bay coastline?” said Tonkin. “I cannot wait to help grow this organisation across South Africa and have a positive impact on communities across the country.”
Through his involvement with Esti and Eric Stewart at St Francis Sports, including the annual Chokka Trail Run and other local events, Tonkin realised he had the framework needed to bring this event to the Kouga region.
This would provide an opportunity to spread awareness for the cause.
The Jeffreys Bay walk will take place on 21 March, joining more than 30 locations worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom.
The route will start at Pili-Pili near Kabeljauws, follow the beachfront to Paradise Beach and then return.
While the full distance is 25km, Tonkin said that participants will be able to choose shorter distances if they wish.
As this is the first year of the event in South Africa, he said that the focus is on laying a strong foundation for future growth.
“Funds raised through the Jeffreys Bay Walk for a Bloke will be directed into Spoke to a Bloke’s Community Impact Project, with an initial focus on developing meaningful, locally relevant mental health outcomes in the Jeffreys Bay community,” said Tonkin.
“This includes supporting community-led walking and connection initiatives, contributing to local partnerships that improve access to mental health education and peer support, and building the long-term sustainability of the event.”
Tonkin emphasised the importance of events like this in breaking down stigma around men’s mental health.
“It allows men to begin to build connections and community whilst learning that it is ok to allow others to carry some of your load,” said Tonkin.
“I would rather have a friend shed a tear on my shoulder than for me to shed a tear at his funeral.”
Registrations are open on the Spoke to a Bloke website.
Entry costs R400 until 22 February and R500 until 20 March, which includes an event shirt.
“Those unable to take part are encouraged to share the event, join awareness walks in the lead-up, and, most importantly, support the men around them by reminding them they are not alone,” said Tonkin.
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