A unique way to celebrate Men's Health Week
The Western Australian Men’s Health and Wellbeing Policy (the Policy) is the result of extensive consultation with more than 400 people from across Western Australia. To reflect the continuing support and commitment from stakeholders involved in its development, interested parties working with one or more of the priority male populations identified in the Policy were invited to submit an expression of interest to host a Men’s Health and Wellbeing Event to launch the Policy.
This innovative approach was chosen to encourage communities to demonstrate the meaning of the Policy for them, take ownership of the Policy which they contributed to the development of, and build partnerships to take action on the priority areas identified in the Policy.
As a result, six Health Networks funded Men’s Health and Wellbeing events took place across the State during Men’s Health Week (10 – 16 June). The Minister for Health, the Hon Roger Cook MLA, submitted a recorded message to each of the locations to officially launch the Policy, and sites were encouraged to adapt their event to best tell the story of men’s health and wellbeing and what this Policy means to them. These were the outcomes:
- Monday 10th June
- The Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service (KAMS) launched the Policy in conjunction with the official opening of the Bidyadanga Men’s Wellness Centre.
- Men’s Health and Wellbeing WA held a forum at the WA State Library which included a cross-sector discussion on the health and wellbeing issues facing WA’s men and boys. The session concluded with a show of hands from more than 130 participants to support improving the lives of men and boys.
- Tuesday 11th June
- Wyalkatchem Men’s Shed held a lunch that gave community members and health professionals the opportunity to hear more about the Policy and men’s health issues.
- Friday 14th June
- Yanchep Community Men’s Shed held a Men’s Health and Wellbeing Day where community members heard speakers discuss on prostate cancer awareness, mental health initiatives and keeping themselves active.
- Saturday 15th June
- Centacare Family Services in Geraldton included a Men’s Circle as part of their activities where participants were invited to express their opinions about having a local Men’s Health and Wellbeing Centre. Activities also included a Drumming Circle for participants to connect and focus on the present moment.
- WA AIDS Council held a brunch and gave opportunity for a diverse group of queer men to socialise, connect and learn more about health and the Policy.
Visit the Department of Health website to find out more about the Policy.
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