Thank you to for Sons of the West for writing this guest post on their men’s health program. Sons of the West is a Western Bulldogs community health initiative that is about supporting men living and working in Melbourne’s western suburbs to lead healthier lives.
Above: Nathan Hrovat (Bulldogs), Alfred Ippolito (SOTW participant), Tom Liberatore (Bulldogs), Eddie Mitcham (SOTW participant)
The Western Bulldogs popular men’s health program Sons of the West has returned for its third year, with the program kicking off in June 2016.
The 10-week program is aimed at improving the mental and physical wellbeing of men in the Bulldogs’ heartland through a series of interactive workshops, a range of guest presenters, events and experiences.
Many men living in the west of Melbourne face tough health challenges including weight management, smoking and mental health issues. Sons of the West is planning to chip away at these issues by raising awareness and helping men live better, eat better and get back into the game of life.
Activities are run under the themes of healthy eating, physical activity and mental health, and the program is packed with giveaways and incentives including match day experiences, customised Sons of the West hoodies and signed Western Bulldogs merchandise.
Regular participant Paul, who has depression, said the program had been life-changing.
“The exercise has definitely helped because at the end I felt like I achieved something, it pushed up my happiness a lot.
“There’s a long way to go, but the early steps, I’m loving it. I urge anyone who’s thinking about it do it.”
This year the program has expanded to 12 separate sites across Melton, Wyndham, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Brimbank and Ballarat.
Attendance at Sons of the West sessions is free and open to men aged 18 and over. Each week, information sessions are followed by physical activity sessions based on participants’ fitness levels.
For more information or to find your nearest session visit sonsofthewest.org.au