Brendan Bennett says that by sharing their stories with each other men can empower themselves to better deal with life’s challenges.
The South Western Sydney Local Health District mental wellbeing health promotion officer points out that men usually do not like to talk about their problems.
But Mr Bennett is hoping a new project to empower men in the Macarthur region will provide a breakthrough.
Tackling the Challenge: Talking Men’s Health Project was recently launched as part of a game of barefoot bowls, below.
“Sharing stories of resilience can help men learn from each other, to speak out and to ask for help,” Mr Bennett said.
The rollout of the project to the Macarthur region follows a successful pilot program in the Southern Highlands earlier in the year.
South Western Sydney Local Health District has teamed up with Macarthur based community workers, Men’s Shed volunteers, local council workers and residents to bring the project to life.
The project collects and shares stories of how men overcome life challenges such as divorce, migration, unemployment, mental distress and injury.
The stories are published through a range of mediums including newspaper, radio, online and social media.
The project looks at making a lasting and positive impact on men’s health issues by sharing stories of how men navigate through hard times.
“By sharing these stories, these men are telling other men they do not have to go through difficult times alone,” Mr Bennett said.
He said participants could help men discover the variety of help available, not just in “bricks and mortar” health services.
The project will also be rolled out in Bankstown, Liverpool and Fairfield, and launched on International Men’s Day on Tuesday, November 19 at Fairfield Adventure Park in partnership with Woodville Alliance.
Any local men interested in participating in Tackling the Challenge, please call Brendan Bennett on 8738 5983.
