Men stepping out to boost wellbeing

An increasing number of men are discovering the body and soul benefits of a new men’s walk and talk group at Tuggerawong.

There was a strong turnout for the first walk in December and more men are joining in every Thursday to leisurely walk and chat along the 5km round trip between Saturday St and March St on the foreshore Tuggerawong pathway.

Organiser and mental health speaker, Craig Ball, is a veteran who’s lost a lot of mates to suicide over the years and decided to do something about it.

“The walk is intended to get men out to talk, get some fresh air and work on their mental health,” he said.

“It’s about having a conversation, ending isolation and doing something good for our health, both mental and physical – great for the soul, great for the mind.

“If you don’t think you can make the full 5km distance, don’t let that discourage you, just walk as far as you can and come along anyway to meet the guys, have a chat and get some fellowship that way.

“There’s an increasing number of men each week, it really feels like a community, a safe and open environment completely free of judgement where all of us are here to listen. they are not forgotten.

“Ending isolation and improving our health starts with each of us.

“Bring a mate, bring your dog, and remember no one walks alone so join in and meet some friends,” Ball said.

He’s at the Saturday St meeting place at about 6.30pm every Thursday and the walkers set off at about 7.05pm for the hour long amble.

More information is available on the Facebook page Central Coast Men’s Walk and Talk.

“A lot of people, when they finish school, move to Sydney or Newcastle.

“We need to work to keep them so regional areas can be developed.

“I am really excited for the opportunity to speak on behalf of my peers and regional youth in general.

“This is a unique opportunity to work alongside members of parliament who will actually listen to what we have to say about policies affecting young people.”

Franklin thanked the outgoing 2022 Regional Youth Taskforce for its input guiding major NSW Government policy decisions.

“Some of the 2022 Taskforce’s achievements include raising awareness of the need for more mental health support for regional young people, improving messaging to youth about the harms of vaping and inclusion and awareness for LGBTQIA+ young people living in the regions,” he said.

For more information on the Regional Youth Taskforce, visit: nsw.gov.au/ RegionalYouthTaskforce.

Central Coast Local Health District is urging people to be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear.

Since the start of December 2022, there have been two cases of meningococcal on the Central Coast.

Children under five and 15-25-year-olds are at the greatest risk of contracting the disease.

District Director of Public Health Dr Kathryn Taylor said early intervention can be lifesaving.

“Meningococcal disease symptoms can appear suddenly and become very serious very quickly,” she said.