Walk for Mental Well-Being as a Third Place: A Qualitative Study of the Bathurst Men's Walk and Talk

Abstract

Objective

To explore processes that engage rural men in a weekly, enduring, community-volunteer-organised walk for mental well-being, and compare with characteristics of Third Places (relaxing social places that are neither home nor work).

Setting

Bathurst, regional city population 44 939 (2024), New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

Bathurst Men's Walk and Talk (BMWT) walkers tend to be older and in a married/defacto relationship. More than one-third score low on mental well-being indices.

Design

In-depth semi-structured interviews (n = 20) with walkers (13) and leaders (7) of the BMWT were thematically analysed, inductively and deductively.

Main Outcome Measures

Interviewee descriptions of experiences of BMWT and its impacts reported against Oldenburg's (1989/1999) eight characteristics of Third place, and use of rituals.

Results

BMWT is more routinised but has essential characteristics of an ideal Third place. BMWT accentuates the essence of Third place including welcome, inclusion, conversation and belonging to the group. BMWT balances culture and structures that meet diverse needs for connection and enjoyment in the manner of a Third place, while communicating safety and reassurance required for men who seek or need support for mental well-being. Interviewees reported mood and well-being benefits from BMWT physical activity, social interaction and belonging.

Conclusion

Thoughtful planning can increase health-giving social interaction and feelings of belonging consistent with Third place experiences. In rural areas where men often miss out on mental well-being support, Third place provides a framework to guide individual group and community planning.