Guys – it’s time to talk.
Woodend-Hesket Masters Football Club is encouraging its players to round up their mates and bring them down to the clubrooms for a forum run by Beyondblue on October 19.
Committee member Daron Jacks said the men’s forum will be to discuss anxiety and depression in men and focus on a holistic view of health.
“It’s something as a club that we are very passionate about,” Mr Jacks said. “We’re really big on mental health here. As middle-aged guys we’re very conscious of keeping an eye on physical health as well as our mental health.
“We approached Beyondblue and they’ve helped us put on this forum to encourage the guys to come and talk about anxiety and depression in an environment they’re used to.”
Former North Melbourne and Hawthorn star Nathan Thompson will be the guest speaker, discussing his own battle with depression.
Mr Jacks said Thompson was the first AFL footballer to openly discuss his battle with depression which opened the door to many more athletes admitting to struggling with mental health issues.
“Having him there will be great because he started the ball rolling and said to his club, ‘I feel great physically but my mental health isn’t in great shape’. Other men are now coming forward and are not afraid to talk about depression and anxiety.”
The forum will start off with an informal training session.
The night will be held at the Hawks clubrooms at Gilbert Gordon Oval on October 19 at 7.30pm. Men aged over 35 are encouraged to attend and bring a mate along.
Information: daron.a.jacks@gmail.com
