Beaut Blokes weekends to survive thanks to Beyond Blue!
Recognition for women using their initiative in creating community benefit
October 4, 2005Tasmanian tourism recognised internationally
October 5, 2005Three years ago, to address the problems of social isolation faced by young men in the Victorian country town of Harrow , local publican Ange Newton came up with the idea of a Beaut Blokes Weekend. It would promote Harrow and its lifestyle, provide a rural experience for city women and give local blokes a chance to develop new friendships. There have been some weddings and babies and lots of new friendships!
Knowing there are many rural communities facing population decline and associated issues, beyondblue is helping to develop a program designed to build the capacity of rural towns to address these particular problems and promote social well-being.
Dr Kim Webber, who leads beyondblue’s Rural Programs says ‘beyondblue is supporting the development of a ‘how to’ manual so that any Australian community can have their own Beaut Blokes program. It’s about giving communities who want to do something to improve the mental health of their community, a means to do so.’
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: beyondblue Media Manager, Julie Foster PH:03 9810 6100 M: 0409 433 501
For more information on depression, available treatments and where to get help visit www.beyondblue.org.au email: bb@beyondblue.org.au
1 Comment
Each year Movember comes around, around the same time as pink ribbon day. there are pink ribbons for both genders to wear and pink food wrappers by companies supporting the occasion that everyone can buy. Growing a ‘mo’ sort of limits things for men’s causes, doesn’t it? I’m wondering if there’s more that can be done to include and expand support?