Men on the Atherton Tablelands came prepared to discuss all thing related to men’s mental and physical health, at the recent Men’s Health Matters information session.
Hosted by the local Freemasons at the Yungaburra Masonic Centre, the event saw 16 people attend and was part of a series of state-wide events run by Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland, in collaboration with community health non-profit CheckUP.
The awareness campaign was launched in September last year, visiting towns and supporting local communities across the state, with a focus on improving men’s mental and physical health.
The session at Yungaburra was delivered by a registered psychologist covering a range of topics such as nutrition and physical activity, early detection of cancer, diabetes and heart disease, mental health and relationships to educate men in their own wellbeing.
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said supporting and providing people in regional communities with the tools to help them lead better lives was an important part of the charity’s work.
“Improving men’s mental and physical health both at a state-wide and grassroots level is part of our charitable focus, which is why we partnered with CheckUP to bring this initiative to communities across Queensland,” Mr Mark said.
CheckUP CEO Ann Maree Liddy said the event provided an informal and welcoming forum for men to talk about their health journey and experiences.
“Attendees were encouraged to have a conversation about how they were feeling both mentally and physically,” Ms Liddy said.
“It was important for these men to see they are not alone and the whole community is here to help them.”
Barrine Freemasons Lodge Master Vincent Mantio said the Lodge was proud to have opened its doors for the delivery of the Men’s Health Matters event.
“It was fantastic to be able to provide such an informative and valuable event to the people of the Atherton Tablelands,” Mr Mantio said.
“To see the men walk away with the information and tools needed to be proactive about their own wellbeing and happiness goes to show the event was of great benefit to our community.”
