The Coalition's Men's Health Strategy

ANDERSON BACKING THE COALITION’S MENS HEALTH STRATEGY

Men’s health will be a strong focus of an elected Coalition Government with the delivery of a 10-year Men and Boy’s Health Strategy by the end of 2027.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said changing perceptions and attitudes around men’s health can be critical to saving a life. “Your health is so important but for too many men and boys, their health is put on the backburner, doctors’ appointments are avoided, and warning signals are missed,” Mr Anderson said. “The statistics are concerning. Men die 4 years younger, they’re less likely to visit healthcare services, they’re more likely to experience alcohol abuse, three times more likely to commit suicide, and 90% of workplace deaths involve men. Attitudes around bravado and pride are too often an excuse not to see the doctor, or talk about our feelings, and that’s got to change.”

HealthWISE mental health professional Malcolm Watts said one of the organisation’s strong focuses is on assisting men and boys struggling with their mental health.

“It is important that we continue to grow and maintain innovative, collaborative and progressive services to men and boys.” Mr Watts said. “It’s vital that we can provide continuity of care to our clients and promote a safe, non-judgmental and informative space for men and boys to engage with our service in a manner that fosters healing. At this point we are working with individuals and partners to address mental illness and harmful behaviours that have manifested as a result of trauma, using innovative therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. The intention is that our clients can confidently and in an informed manner address their own wellbeing needs and contribute to the community in a purposeful manner.”

Mr Anderson added that an elected Coalition Government would deliver a 10-year Men and Boy’s Health Strategy starting with a two-day summit. “The NSW Liberals and Nationals under the leadership of Kellie Sloane have announced that the Coalition will deliver a 10-year Men and Boy’s Health Strategy,” Mr Anderson added. “We want to lead the discussion on how we improve health outcomes for men and boys, how we can break down the social barriers to asking for help, and how to help men live happy and healthy lives.”