The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s impactful Sons of the West program is aiming to return to an in-person delivery model in 2021.
Sons of the West will be run in March next year, with a face-to-face program being planned (pending government advice regarding covid safety), as well as an option of an online experience.
Foundation staff and partners will be following covid-safe protocols, including extra hygiene practices, physical distancing and capped participant numbers.
Registration in the program will be essential, with the Foundation now taking expressions of interest. By filling out the form below, you’ll be the first to hear when registrations open in 2021.
The Sons of the West program will include one hour of education and one hour of group physical activity per session, as well as plenty of opportunities to meet local men and get involved in the community.
The program is run in partnership with local councils including Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Wyndham and Ballarat, as well as Sports Central, WynActive and Sunbury Community Health.
Sons of the West is funded by WorkSafe Victoria, the Victorian State Government, Australian Multicultural Community Services and Watergardens Town Centre.
Testimonials from past participants demonstrate the impact the program continues to have on the community:
“Sons of the West has given me something to look forward to each week, especially the online version in my second year when I was in quarantine for over a month. The support I received helped get me through.”
Antony Simcox
“Mental health is a big problem, and most men do not speak about it openly. It can affect young ones and in turn the whole family. I am a big advocate for mental health and SOTW has made me more aware of my own mental health. I would recommend everyone I know to do the SOTW program because of how much it has helped me become more aware of my own health and self-care.”
Ken Lal
“I can say that I have had my life turned around for the better. I now get a regular check-up at my doctors and I feel that this has saved my life.”
Morrie Craven
“The main benefit that I have got out of the program is that I feel more comfortable talking to my male friends about any health issues. Prior to being involved with SOTW, I was always too embarrassed to talk to any of my friends about health issues. I am very comfortable now, and I think many more male adults in the community are too.”
Spiros Koziaris
