Supporting men’s health

Men’s Health Week celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, taking place from June 10-16.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris highlighted the importance of men’s health, and of supporting the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our communities.

“Men’s Health Week is a time to reflect and prioritise your health, seek professional medical support, and engage in conversations about important health issues,” he said.

“In our community there are organisations such as Wyong Men’s Shed, The Men’s Table and the Clontarf Foundation who aim to create an environment of trust and support allowing opportunity for males of all ages to share their own stories.”

Central Coast Regional Manager for the Clontarf Foundation said foundation academies provided a wide variety of activities relating to wellbeing, leadership and personal development, sports skills, education, employment, excursions, camps, and partnerships with key corporate companies.

“The Foundation’s success is based on the full-time nature of the program (onsite support every school day of the year) and the relationship and earned trust between its staff and each student,” he said.

“The program is delivered in five ‘pillars’; education, wellbeing, leadership, sport and employment.

“During 2023, Clontarf academies delivered 208,630 engagement activities across the country.

“This means that each young man in the program participated in an average of 61 additional opportunities to encourage them to attend school, learn life skills, develop self-esteem and aspiration and acquire employment-related skills and documentation in readiness for joining the workforce and becoming productive members of society.”

The Clontarf Foundation approach has proven to be very successful, not only in attracting young men to school and keeping them there, but also in having them embrace more disciplined, purposeful, and healthy lifestyles.

This year, the foundation began operations on the Central Coast.

Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College (Berkley Vale and Tumbi Umbi campuses), Wadalba Community School and Wyong High School have partnered with the foundation so their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can access these supports throughout high school and into employment or further study post school.

Those in need of support can call 1800 737 732, Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Men’s Line on 1300 789 978 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36