More than 200 community members registered for the recent Mornington Peninsula Communities Creating Change webinar which explored how outdated rigid stereotypes of masculinity are holding men and boys back from living healthy, happy lives.
The Man Box research shows how outdated ideas of being 'a real man' can lead to increased aggressive and controlling behaviour towards others, but also contributes to reduced physical and mental health for men and boys themselves. According to the Victorian Population Health Survey 2017, nearly 20 per cent of men on the Mornington Peninsula have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression.
Applications are now open for community members aged 18 years and over to join the Modelling Respect and Equality (MoRE) training program aimed at supporting role models who interact with boys and men on a regular basis so they can challenge limiting and harmful stereotypes and promote respect and equality.
The innovative MoRE program is run by Jesuit Social Services' The Men's Project and is aiming to build participants' skills and knowledge to help create change in the community and build new approaches to improve young boys' wellbeing and keep families and communities safe.
More than ever, the behaviours and attitudes of Australian boys and men are called into question, due to the recent March4Justice events, #MeToo movement and unprecedented attention on family violence, high levels of mental health and suicide, substance abuse problems, inquiries into child sexual abuse in institutions and sexual assault and harassment in universities and schools.
How can we change this? Positive role models, of all genders and ages, in the places where boys and men live, work, play and meet are crucial.
If this is you, don't hesitate to submit an expression of interest form by Friday 16 April 2021.
Funded by VicHealth and delivered in partnership with Family Life and Jesuit Social Services, the program is free for applicants.
