IN an effort to tackle the growing issue of loneliness and mental health challenges among men, a new initiative called WNOW (When No One’s Watching) has been launched with an event being held in Cowes on Friday, November 29.
This free peer support group seeks to create a safe space for men to connect, share their experiences, and explore what it means to be better members of their communities.
With rising rates of suicide and mental health issues among men, WNOW aims to break the stigma surrounding these topics and encourage open conversations about feelings and struggles. The initiative is not a crisis service but rather a supportive community where men can gather to discuss their lives in a non-judgmental environment.
As the conversation around men's mental health continues to grow, WNOW stands as a beacon of hope, offering a space for healing, connection, and personal growth. Together, WNOW aims to foster a community where men feel safe to be themselves, talk about their feelings, and ultimately lead happier lives.
Each year peer groups walk 60km to remember the 60 men that die by suicide every 60 minutes around the world. The November 29 event is the date for WNOW’s third walk.
Brad Gofman run’s the men's health initiative from Mentone beach and shared that through the Sunrise Club, WNOW is focused on helping men in their communities to connect, drop their body armour, and be better fathers, brothers, husbands, sons and mates.
“Our 60 for 60 walk - a 60km walk which will take place on Friday, November 29 at Phillip Island. We’ll depart from Cowes and do a lap of the island, and I invite every male to join us,” said Brad.
WNOW was born out of a personal experience with loneliness and the realisation that many men feel isolated in their struggles. “The keystone of the WNOW community is our Sunrise Club where we meet at 6am on a Wednesday for some light exercise, sharing challenges in a ‘circle of trust’, and connect over coffee and conversations. This connection continues through a supportive What’s app group. We also run regular events such as retreats, the 60km challenge and evening talks.”
I started the WNOW Sunrise Club to help feel connected and I encourage anyone in the Bass Coast and South Gippsland area to come along and join the 60 for 60 walk in Cowes and then consider starting their own peer group. It doesn’t cost a thing; each group is supported by WNOW. It is simply an initiative to break the stigma on mental health and help men socialise and feel connected face-to-face.”
Register for the WNOW 60 for 60 at www.wnow.com.au/upcomingevents. Further details will be sent through to those registered for the Team VIC, Phillip Island.
