Cooking up a solution for men’s mental health
Local member Phil Donato MP is hoping to get local men to open up and talk about their mental health at a serious of monthly barbecues he is hosting in conjunction with men’s health charity Mr Perfect.
“Men’s health is often overlooked, and blokes generally aren’t forthcoming or open about their mental health,” said Phil.
“We know, generally, that blokes bottle things up, they are not keen to come out and talk about things. So this is hopefully an opportunity for guys to come together and if you have something on your chest you might be able to share it and we can all help each other.
Suicide takes a disproportionately tragic toll on regional communities, said Phil, who has long advocated for better mental health resources in country areas.
“I know, as we all do, that suicide in regional NSW especially is disproportionately higher than the city. Three in every four suicides are males and we need to do something to tackle this. Mental health is a big issue I've been pursuing in parliament and this is one small step that I can take as a local member to try and help men out there, help this situation, this crisis we have in our community.
Co-hosting the monthly barbecues, which will be held in Cook Park, is friend and past colleague of Phil’s, Carl Smith.
“Phil gave me a phone call and said we are looking at this initiative in town to help with men's mental health and it is something that's close to me,” said Carl.
“I've had friends and family that have died through suicide and even now talking about it — and that's what I'm here for — it is still hard to talk about that sort of stuff as a bloke. So hopefully getting guys together in a comfortable situation around a barbecue, chatting with each other, we can encourage those conversations a bit more.”
Carl said what he likes about the Mr Perfect barbecues is it is not just about saying it’s OK to talk, but actually providing a place for men to talk.
“It’s not something you are going to bring up in a work situation or in passing in the street,” he said.
“So at a barbecue where it's relaxed, you can come along and grab a snag, come with a mate, come by yourself, introduce yourself to me or Phil — I'm happy to talk to anyone — just turn up and see how it goes. There is no pressure to say or do anything; it is just a place where you can meet some new mates, meet some people who might be going through similar things to you and just talk.”
The first barbeque will be held at Cook Park in Orange this Sunday 7th February 2021, commencing 12 midday.
“It’s completely free of charge and all blokes are welcome along,” said Phil.
Find out more about the MR Perfect charity by visiting mrperfect.or.au