The Barstool Brothers program is joining forces with the Kiama Leagues Club to launch a free monthly brunch aimed at fostering mental health awareness among men in the community. Starting on July 13, these gatherings will take place at the Cedar Cutters Sports Bar, offering a supportive environment for men to connect and discuss mental health issues.
This initiative is part of a broader effort within the Kiama districts to support men’s mental health, adding another vital resource to the community. Daniel Chin, general manager of the Raising The Bar Foundation, emphasized the importance of creating spaces where men can openly discuss their mental health without financial barriers. “We want to effectively run events that remove as many barriers as possible, and one of those is financial,” Chin stated. “It is important to have a great partner like the Kiama Leagues Club and make it possible for everyone to attend.”
Building Community Support
The collaboration with Kiama Leagues Club highlights a growing trend of community organizations prioritizing mental health initiatives. Madeline Battagello, marketing manager for the club, expressed their commitment to facilitating such gatherings. “There are a lot of men’s health initiatives popping up, so it is at the forefront of everyone’s mind and receiving a lot of interest,” Battagello noted.
One of the key messages from the Ten to Men: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health is that mental ill-health remains a significant issue among Australian men. The study reveals that up to 25% of men experience a diagnosed mental health disorder in their lifetime, with 15% facing such issues within a 12-month period.
“What we want to do is put a spot out there for blokes to get together and build those connections in a bit more of a natural situation,” Chin explained. “That’s really important for us to make it as easy as possible and as accessible as possible. People hear mental health sometimes and can get quite intimidated.”
Addressing Mental Health Barriers
The brunch initiative aims to provide a relaxed setting where men can discuss mental health without the intimidation often associated with the topic. “It is exciting to be able to get out there and start reaching some of the guys in the Kiama community that may be struggling with their mental health,” Chin added.
Battagello further commented on the importance of addressing mental health in the context of modern work life. “Mental health can be quite a pressing issue for people who work crazy hours and shifts, and we’re sort of working with how we can host that here, open it up to the community with more of their events,” she said.
Looking Ahead
The first brunch will take place on Sunday, July 13, at 10:30 am, offering free coffee and bacon and egg rolls for attendees. This initiative not only provides a platform for discussion but also aims to create lasting connections among participants, fostering a supportive network within the community.
For more information, interested individuals can visit www.kiamaleagues.com/events/kiama-monthly-brunch. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to Lifeline at 131 114 or Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636.
