Big day out for mental health

A MAJOR community event aimed at boosting men’s mental health support will take place at the Geelong Showgrounds on December 21.

The men’s mental health family fun day, run by Complete Health Geelong’s Mental Health Militia, has become an annual gathering for people seeking connection and support.

The militia – comprised of former one-percenters and Outlaw Motorcycle Club members who now work as counsellors and personal trainers – focuses on assisting those who do not quality for help through the region’s mental health and disability services.

Now in its fourth year, the family fun day is rooted in humble beginnings. It started as a motorbike ride and barbecue by the beach in support of men’s mental health, with just a handful of people expected to attend.

Instead, 300 people came along for the experience. The following year, the number grew to 600.

Complete Health Geelong founder Troy Koerntjes said the early response confirmed what his team was witnessing daily.

“Because we’re a mental health service, especially around this area, we get people coming in all the time that need help,” he said. “So we knew there was a need for it.”

This year’s program will be the biggest yet, featuring carnival rides, free children’s activities, live music, market stalls, and a bike and car show, along with a special Toy Run. Entry is free.

Mr Koerntjes said the team wanted to create a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that encourages people to stay and connect.

“This is my vision: everyone lays down their picnic blanket, watches the bands all day and just has fun,” he said. “There’s a lot of things to do and it’s not going to cost anything.”

Advocate Alan Thorpe will be one of 14 guest speakers to share their lived experience of mental health at the event next week.

In the lead-up, he will first complete a 90km walk, travelling from Ballarat to Geelong in just 24 hours in a bid to raise awareness and encourage men to seek help when they need it.

For Mr Thorpe, who has completed five endurance walks in the past five years and raised more than $80,000 for Beyond Blue, his latest trek comes just one month after a 900km effort from Ballarat to Canberra.

“I’ve lost quite a few family members. My dad was one of them,” he said. “When I started walking, I was on suicide watch, and I got up and started walking and it saved my life.

“I’m just trying to impact others and get to show people that someone like me is speaking up, so they can too.”

For more information, head to mentalhealthmilitia.org.au, and to follow Alan Thorpe’s journey, follow @IWalkForMensMentalHealth on social media.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, head to beyondblue.org.au or phone the 24/7 hotline on 1300 224 636. You can also head to lifeline.org.au or phone 13 11 14. Help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by phoning 1800 551 800.