Breaking the barrier

to prioritise men's health

Men’s Health Week celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, taking place from Monday June 10th to Sunday June 16th, 2024.

12 June 2023

 

MEMBER for Wyong and Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris says that it is important to highlight the issue of men's health, and to promote and support the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our communities.

 

David Harris Member for Wyong said, “Men’s Health Week is a time to reflect and prioritise your health, seek professional medical support, and engage in conversations about important health issues”.

 

“In our community there are organisations such as Wyong Men’s Shed, The Men’s Table and Clontarf Foundation who aim to create an environment of trust and support allowing opportunity for males of all ages to share their own stories.”

 

David Harris and Rhys Matsen the Central Coast Regional Manager from Clontarf Foundation discussed the importance of the Clontarf program provided to young males.

 

Mr Matsen said, “The Clontarf Foundation academies provide a wide variety of activities relating to wellbeing, leadership and personal development, sports skills, education, employment, excursions, camps, and partnerships with key corporate companies.”

 

“The Foundation’s success is based on the full-time nature of the programme (onsite support every school day of the year) and the relationship and earned trust between its staff and each student. The programme is delivered in five ‘pillars’, being Education, Wellbeing, Leadership, Sport, and Employment.”

 

“During 2023, Clontarf academies delivered 208,630 engagement activities across the country.”

 

“This means that each young man in the programme participated in an average of 61 additional opportunities to encourage them to attend school, learn life skills, develop self-esteem and aspiration, and acquire employment-related skills and documentation in readiness for joining the workforce and becoming productive members of society”, said Mr Matsen.

 

The Clontarf Foundation approach has proven to be very successful, not only in attracting young men to school and keeping them there, but also in having them embrace more disciplined, purposeful, and healthy lifestyles.

 

2024 has seen the foundation begin operations on the Central Coast.

 

Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College (Berkley Vale and Tumbi Umbi Campuses), Wadalba Community School and Wyong High School have partnered with the foundation so their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can access these supports throughout high school and into employment or further study post school.