A Men’s Wellbeing Network to better promote services available to men and boys has been proposed for the Gawler area.
The Network would comprise men and women who deliver services or run activities at the “coalface” for men and boys in the greater Gawler area.
The network will held share information and help men and boys learn about and access the services available to help with support when they require it.
Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said the proposed network will complement the support provided by the Northern Men’s Wellbeing Network which operates throughout the City of Playford.
“The proposed network is an outcome of events held in the electorate to celebrate International Men’s Health Network, including a BBQ Breakfast held at Willo’s Men’s Shed,” said Mr Piccolo.
Mr Piccolo told parliament that the latest ABS data available for 2016 shows that, tragically 2,866 people died from intentional self-harm, and that 75 per cent of those people were men and boys.
“It is not only the people who actually take their own life who are affected but also their family and friends,” Mr Piccolo said.
“While we as governments are putting more money into that sort of work, I think more needs to be done because the figure is not slowing down.”
“The decline in manufacturing and other traditional blue collar employment has displaced many men from the workforce, leading to considerable stress on families”
“Men involved in hands on work find it harder to access support services rather than those in more technologically based employment.”
“Men become disconnected from community, which can lead to poor physical and mental health.”
“The network will help promote services already available and hopefully help advocate to fill in gaps.”Mr Piccolo said while he would be inviting a number of local organisations to be part of the network, he is very keen to hear from people who believe they could make a contribution to the wellbeing of men and boys in our community.”