This International Men’s Health Week (12th – 18th June), Whiddon are excited to launch our the
‘Age Well, Together’ campaign. Join us as we encourage Australian men to improve their health and
wellbeing by connecting through shared interests.
According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data, Australian men are statistically more likely
to have a lower life expectancy, be overweight and experience higher rates of a range of chronic diseases in
comparison to women. As many as 1 in 4 will experience a mental illness in their lifetime.
At Whiddon, we’re on a mission to bring much needed awareness to men’s health, promoting open
conversation about loneliness and empowering men to rediscover their passions and embrace social
connections as they age.
Stan Foster
Volunteer, Whiddon Casino Mens Shed
“I love coming in because the other men love coming down and having a chat and a joke
in morning when we are together. Even after my wife passed away, I still make sure to
come here every week. When they asked me if I would keep showing up, I didn’t hesitate
to say yes. The sense of community and belonging I feel here is important to me, and it
gives me a reason to get up and out of bed each week” says Stan.
Nic Starrenburg
Volunteer, Whiddon Easton Park Mens Shed
“They’re a really good bunch of guys. We’ve got Bill who’s one of the other volunteers,
there’s Larry who looks after the garden and he’s here every morning watering the
garden before I even get here, he is just fantastic! The guys just want to do something
they’ve been doing all their lives, from hanging picture frames, mowing lawns and
building things, the Men’s Shed gives them that opportunity,” explains Nic.
William ‘Bill’ Dickinson
Volunteer, Whiddon Easton Park Mens Shed
“I think the activities here are important, because it’s not good to see the guys sitting
in their rooms all day watching TV. It gets them out and about chatting to people. I
encourage a few of my mates to come down and enjoy a few hours out of the house.
Having a hobby is important because it gives people in older lives purpose and meaning
in life. I’ve seen a few of the guys lose their wives and they feel they have nothing to live
for. That just isn’t the case, we’re all here to support them.”
During International Men’s Health Week, the volunteers’
involvement in the Men’s Shed highlights the importance of
camaraderie, community, and volunteering in promoting men’s
health and tackling loneliness as we grow older.
