The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s Sons of the West men’s health program has drawn to a close for 2019.
In its sixth year, Sons of the West provided education on key health issues affecting men in Victoria’s western region across eight local government areas.
A Braybrook local, Liam McEwen joined Sons of the West in 2016 after reading about the men’s health initiative in the local Maribyrnong Leader newspaper.
Winning this year’s Club Champion award in Braybrook, the 66-year-old told westernbulldogs.com.au that he was incredibly grateful to receive the award, after already gaining a wealth of knowledge from the program.
“I was overwhelmed to receive the Club Champion award because I was just happy to join the guys and try my best every week, which I did,” McEwen told westernbulldogs.com.au.
“Having won the award means that I can now continue to work on my fitness. Without this award, I wouldn’t have had the motivation to join a gym, so I am very grateful.”
Joining Sons of the West to gain a deeper understanding of holistic health and wellbeing, McEwen credits the program for furthering his understanding of mental health, while providing him with the stepping stones to improve his wellbeing.
“The biggest thing I’ve gained from Sons of the West is the awareness of not only keeping physically fit, but also keeping mentally fit.”
“Sons of the West gave me an opportunity to be part of a community, that exercised, learnt, talked and laughed together. I was able to take away new ways of thinking about the way I live my life day to day.”
When asked if he would recommend others to join the men’s health program, McEwen said that he would encourage all men to apply, regardless of their age, cultural background or fitness ability.
“I would say, go for it,” McEwen said.
“It’s an amazing program that helps you physically, mentally and socially. It’s a community orientated program that allows you to have a go without pressure. What you can gain from the presentations will stay with you in your everyday life.”
