WHEN Aaron Fowkes’ wife first brought home details about Sons of the West, the first words he saw on the flyer were “mental health”.
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Mr Fowkes was not convinced but agreed to try one session of the Western Bulldogs-led program in Ballarat and realised the program was about so much more. Physical activity is a key component, but so too are workshops in key men’s health issues.
In his involvement, Mr Fowkes has made a large group of new mates and he could hardly wait to get started in the program’s pre-season this month.
“I absolutely loved it,” Mr Fowkes said. “I’ve met so many new guys who are now good friends. I never thought I’d ever love golf, but I’m giving it a go...You realise you’re not the only one, there are other guys going through the same things you are.”
Mr Fowkes broke his neck when younger and has since been restricted in what sport he can do – contact sports are ruled out. He moved to Ballarat from Darwin and was concerned “walls were getting smaller and smaller”, as his wife put it, as he began to feel more socially isolated.
After graduating last year’s inaugural programs in Ballarat, Mr Fowkes has remained part of a core group of participants in a walking group, playing golf, joining a Jack Attack lawn bowls competition and taking part in a few fishing days.
Mr Fowkes said the big flow-on was graduates have been getting fitter.
“You really feel like part of something...everyone goes out of your way to make sure everyone is comfortable and happy. It makes you feel so wanted,” Mr Fowkes said.
“Any guy can do it. It doesn’t matter your fitness level. It is more aimed at guys who are introverted and is fantastic for that.”
Ballarat programs in Sebastopol and Wendouree are in their second week of pre-season training, shortened sessions of the men’s health program, which contain theory and exercise components each week. Already 65 men are participating in the free program.
In the inaugural ‘premiership season’, 76 men graduated from Sebastopol and Wendouree, having attended a minimum seven of 10 sessions. The youngest member was 13 years old and the oldest was 82.
The free program is open to any men aged 18 years and over in the region. For more details, contact Sports Central or the Bulldogs shopfront in Mair Street.