A first-ever Sons of the West program facilitated for participants of Indian culture has been launched by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.  

The 10-week program is being delivered in Melbourne’s west, at Penrose Community Centre in Tarneit, with 70 participants currently taking part.  

Sons of the West is one of the Foundation’s flagship programs, which empowers men to make their health and wellbeing a priority by giving them the tools and knowledge. 

As is well known, the west is a melting pot of multiculturalism, with Indian migrants arriving in the country at a rapid rate. 

One in two people living in the western suburbs are born overseas, compared with one in four across the country. 

The idea behind the Indian adaptation of Sons of the West was the brainchild of former Sons of the West participant Mahendra Patel, who flagged the need for Indian men to have a forum to overcome feelings of loneliness and lack of social connection.  

The program has become an instant success, with the participants continuing to meet in their own time, forming walking groups to keep each other accountable for their fitness.   

A Hindi speaking psychologist has also been engaged to be part of the sessions.   

The program has been funded by Movember and evaluated by Victoria University, with vital support from WynActive.  

Due to the success of the program, the Foundation is considering a similar adaptation of Daughters of the West, for the Indian community.