Tradies breakfast supports mental health message

TRADIES on the Bellarine are being invited to breakfast to promote awareness of mental health issues amongst young men as part of Mental Health Week.

Bellarine Community Health’s youth services team, together with Drysdale Home Timber and Hardware, are hosting the free breakfast, to highlight the increasing number of young men experiencing poor mental health.

Third-year apprentice Issac Mahon is encouraging tradies young and old to go to the breakfast and help promote mental health and wellbeing.

“I have known quite a few people who’ve suffered from depression over the years and the best thing that they’ve done is made sure they had someone to talk to,” the 21-year-old said.

“If someone needs help, then knowing where to go and what supports are available is really valuable.”

Research by organisations such as beyondblue suggest that three-in-four mental health conditions emerge by the age of 24, with young men the least likely to seek help or support.

The Youth Services team at Bellarine Community Health has organised the tradies breakfast so they can chat to local young men who may be at risk, but less likely to know about the signs and symptoms of mental health.

“Young men are less likely to know about the free supports that are available to them on the Bellarine so this is an opportunity to make them aware of the services that are local,” Bellarine Community Health youth services co-ordinator Tanya Fitzpatrick said.

The Drysdale Rotary Club will be cooking the barbecue on October 12 from 7am at the Drysdale Home Timber and Hardware store in Murradoc Road.

There will be prizes and giveaways and a fun interactive game to entertain.

National Mental Health Week runs from Sunday (October 8) to October 14, with World Mental Health Day to be observed on October 10.

Bellarine Community Health’s Youth Services team are located at Peninsula Drive in Drysdale and can be contacted on 5253 0400 or [email protected].