By Matthew Sims
A group of Maribyrnong men have marked the end of a Western Bulldogs Community Foundation [WBCF] program which has bolstered their physical, mental and social wellbeing.
The annual 10-week Sons of the West program wrapped up last month, with more than 300 Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Sunbury, Melton and Wyndham men graduating in the 2022 program.
Western Bulldogs Community Foundation [WBCF] health promotions coordinator Naomi Fitzgerald said participants met for two hours once a week to discuss a range of topics, including nutrition, mental health, gender equity and masculinity.
“Then they’ll jump into physical activity as well,” she said.
“It’s a great way to get them talking about health and wellbeing.”
Ms Fitzgerald said a number of the participants had kept in touch following the program.
“Many have reflected on the social benefit they’ve gained,” she said.
Ms Fitzgerald said the program operated on a three-year model to embed positive philosophies and healthy habits into participants.
The WBCF has also opened applications for the 2022 Daughters of the West program, which will launch in mid-July.
Western Bulldogs Football Club community and government relations general manager Kashif Bouns said the program had supported participants’ mental and physical health since the program’s launch in 2017.
“We’ve been able to help thousands of women over the years on their health and wellbeing journeys,” he said.
“It means so much to us here at the Bulldogs to be able to play that role in people’s lives.”
The 2022 Daughters of the West program will run across 14 sites, including Laverton, Newport, Maribyrnong, West Footscray, St Albans, Botanica Springs, Fraser Rise and Werribee, as well as an online program.
Details: www.westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation/programs/sons-of-the-west or www.westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation/programs/daughters-of-the-west
