Apunipima Napranum men’s support worker Jefferson Tamwoy and Apunipima Mapoon men’s support worker Willie Clark. Photos: Supplied.
Apunipima Cape York Health Council has urged men to take charge of their mental health and speak up if they need a hand as part of Men’s Health Week.
The community health organisation is hosting a range of activities at its Health Care and Wellbeing Centres this month, with the aim of helping men connect and improve their social and emotional wellbeing.
Some simple ways men can look after themselves during men’s week (15-21 June) and into the future include getting a health check, staying active, attending a men’s group or yarning circle, and talking openly about issues.
Doctor James Doran, the organisation’s executive manager of clinical services, said when men felt well socially and emotionally, it could make a big difference to their physical health, family life and connection to the community.
“Men play an important role in shaping healthy, strong and connected communities,” he said.
“From working in communities over the years, when men are taking care of their social and emotional wellbeing, the benefits to their health, families and communities are very visible.”
Apunipima Napranum men’s support worker Jefferson Tamwoy said he saw the biggest improvements to his physical health when he began looking after his social and emotional wellbeing.
“If you take care of your mental health, you start to take better care of your body — they go hand in hand,” he said.
Mr Tamwoy made changes to his lifestyle when he left the mining industry and focused on his mental and emotional health, reducing alcohol use and becoming more active.
“I had a good look in the mirror and made some changes. I started training, going to the gym and looking after my mental health,” he said.
“I lost about 22 kilos and now I’m more active and feeling the healthiest I’ve been in years. You’ve got more energy and you just feel stronger in yourself.”
Mr Tamwoy said stigma and shame were still barriers, but attending a men’s group could prove useful.
“For a long time, men have felt like they need to be strong by keeping things to themselves, but real strength comes from speaking up, coming to a men’s group and supporting each other,” he said.
“When men start having those conversations and looking after their health, it has a ripple effect — families and communities become healthier together.”
Apunipima Napranum men’s support worker Jefferson Tamwoy (second from left) with Napranum Men’s Group, coordinated by Vincent Barkley (third from right) and Tristan Dick (far right).
Napranum elder and men’s group coordinator Vincent Barkley said the group helped individuals by creating a safe space where men could come together and yarn, share knowledge and experiences.
“Even if a man is having a bad day, men’s group is always here if they either want someone to talk to or want to just come have a sit-down and get away from somewhere,” he said.
“For myself, men’s group has given me support and taught me accountability; it has always allowed me to connect with my other countrymen in the community of Napranum, who understand me because we had similar life experiences.
“I have learnt a lot of knowledge from my elders and community leaders and built a lot of confidence in becoming a better father and a role model.”
Contact an Apunipima Health Care or Wellbeing Centre to get involved in this month’s men’s health activities.
Need to talk to someone now? Phone Mensline on 1300 78 99 78.
