As Men’s Mental Health Week comes to a close, the big question for our local blokes on the Central Coast is: What next?
Initiatives such as the Central Coast Men’s Walk and Talk have brought men together in a way that’s raw, real, and refreshingly simple — walking side-by-side, having honest chats and breaking the silence around mental health.
Organiser of the Walk and Talk, Craig Ball, says the work doesn’t stop just because Men’s Mental Health Week is over.
“Now is the time to ask: What are we going to do differently — today, next week, and the rest of the year? he said.
“We need to stop leaving it until we hit rock bottom.
“One strong step forward is building a care team — just like you’d build a team around a mate who’s struggling.
“That might include a few good mates you trust, a mental health professional, a support group and importantly, your local GP.
“Your GP could be a key partner in your wellbeing — helping to check in, refer you to the right supports, and create a plan that works for you.
“Let’s start treating ourselves the way we’d treat a mate doing it tough — with compassion, patience and encouragement.
“You don’t have to tough it out alone.
“Showing up for yourself is a strength, not a weakness.
“Let’s keep this momentum going.
“Let’s keep walking, keep talking and keep backing each other — not just for one week a year, but every day.”
Join the regular group of about 20 men taking charge of their mental health and fitness at their Thursday walking events, starting at 7pm at the Saturday St end of Tuggerawong Pathway.
For local support, visit: https://suicidepreventioncentralcoast.org.au/ or
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