Community event sheds light on men’s mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention

Mental health and wellbeing was the main topic of discussion during a recent International Men’s Day event. Hosted by Hope Community Services, Goldfields men were invited to enjoy free coffee, haircut or health check at the C. Y. O’Connor Men’s Shed on Tuesday last week. Suicide prevention co-ordinator Justin Edom said the event brought together community members and health professionals to focus on men’s mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. “There tends to be a stigma around mental health, especially with men,” he said. “Last year, 2023, there was over 3000 deaths in (Australia) by suicide, and over 75 per cent were men. “While we are encouraging people to think about (their) mental health, we also want to provide practical resources that men can use to improve their mental health and wellbeing.” Mr Edom said the event provided an opportunity for men to learn more about the resources available in the region. The Regional Men’s Health Initiative hosted their “fast-track pit stop” which measured participants’ waistline and blood pressure. Participants were also asked 10 questions to help identify their stress levels and coping skills, and if one or more of the results were “out of tune”, they were provided with pointers to help them “retune”. Attendees could also get a freshen-up courtesy of local barber Kingdom Brothers or enter into a meat pack raffle. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636