Coordinated by Western Sydney University's Men's Health Information and Resource Centre (MHIRC), this year's National Men's Health Week, 15-21 June, will encourage communities and organisations across Australia to come together virtually to raise awareness for men's health.
To be officially launched on Monday, 15 June by media personality and founder of Gotcha4Life Gus Worland, the initiative supports a community-minded approach to improving the health of men. Throughout June, communities will be encouraged to host online events, share information, and to simply check in with the men and boys in their lives.
According to Dr Neil Hall, Director of the MHIRC, many men are experiencing heightened stress due to isolation and unemployment, and now more than ever we need to work together to encourage good mental health and wellbeing.
"This Men's Health Week we are asking people to check in with the men in their lives – pick up the phone, send a text or get together online – to start an important conversation, and to share vital support and health information," said Dr Hall.
"Everybody has a father, son, brother, partner, mentor, friend or colleague who would benefit from positive support. Sometimes men have less opportunity to seek out support and may have difficulty voicing their issues. By communities working together – people of all genders, cultures and ages – we can start to address these issues and improve health outcomes."
The year's initiative will also raise awareness for suicide as the single most pressing issue in society for men and boys, with six out of eight people per day taking their own lives being male.
"There are many factors that contribute to this tragedy, but we know that social isolation, loss of land, relationship breakdown and unemployment are some of the crucial ones. The current pandemic is heightening some of these accumulated life stressors making collective action to prevent suicide essential," said Dr Hall.
For 24/7 crisis support call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14. For men's health information and support resources, visit the Men's Health Week website.
To host or attend an online event during June, visit the Men's Health Week website .
