Western Bulldogs Community Foundation is once again giving locals the chance to kick start a healthy lifestyle. Running in partnership with local councils and community health services across western Victoria, Sons of the West is a free 10-week health program for men commencing in March 2021, giving participants the chance to learn about health and getting active, as well as make new friends and become involved in the local community.
Benefits in joining Sons of the West:
- Learn about health with experts covering topics including nutrition, mental health, gender equity and masculinity
- Get active with a range of exercises to meet everyone’s fitness levels
- Get involved with a community of great people and meet other local guys
- Loads of giveaways and incentives throughout the program including customised Sons of the West incentives and the chance to win signed merchandise from the Western Bulldogs Football Club
- Plenty of support along the way and more accessible than ever with options to complete the program online in 2021
The outcomes are proven – in 2019, a total of 640 men participated in SOTW, with 90% reporting they better understand services offered by local health organisations and 85% feeling more knowledgeable about each of the health topics.
“After the first few weeks on the program, I noticed a change in my weight and family also commented on the change in my general wellbeing. I now have regular medical checks, I’m more outgoing and reduced my weight significantly thus reducing potential health issues later in life. Sons of the West change my life for the good and will continue to further on into the future” Mike Dunne, Sons of the West Participant.
“My nephew suggested I join him on a men’s health program called Sons of the West (SOTW) as I was not kind to my health in the past. From the first session the SOTW challenged us to go for a health check. It was later confirmed that I had Diabetes. The doctor also ordered a test for my heart called an ECG. To my surprise, I was told that sometime in the past I had a heart attack. Really?! I could not believe it. I had no noticeable symptoms. I was admitted to Western Private Hospital where three stents were inserted to clear a totally blocked artery attached to my heart. This is all thanks to the Sons of the West program. I can honestly say my family and I are grateful to all who work tirelessly to bring about such great outcomes, thank you”. Anthony Camilleri, Sons of the West Participant.
Joining
Sons of the West is open to men aged 18 and over who live in Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Melton, Wyndham, Ballarat and Whittlesea. The program commences in March 2021 and will be run in accordance with government COVID-19 restrictions, which may include small group sizes or online options. Register for the 2021 Sons of the West program in your local area via this web link: https://bit.ly/3j6ywH5.
