Build It and They May Not Come: Reaching out to men in West Heidelberg

Posted 27-06-2008

WHAT MEN WANT IN HEIDELBERG WEST

The results of a research project which engaged ‘hard to reach’ men in Heidelberg West to gain greater insight into their health and local service needs was launched on Thursday 19 June at The Mall, West Heidelberg.

The research was funded through the Heidelberg West Neighbourhood Renewal initiative and undertaken by the Children’s Protection Society in partnership with Banyule Community Health. The ‘Build It And They May Not Come’ report was launched by Craig Langdon MP and Brother Harry Prout, a local resident and member of the Exodus Community.

The research was undertaken in the Mall where 45 men were interviewed. Craig Langdon congratulated the authors in engaging local men to open up and tell their stories. He said many West Heidelberg residents keep things hidden; they have a ‘stiff upper lip’ and traditionally don’t ask for help.

Brother Harry Prout said, “This report reminds us that many West Heidelberg children have an absence of a father figure in their lives. Mum’s can’t do it all even when they try; they can’t be fathers and teach their growing sons to be men.” Andrew Rush, Team Leader of the Father’s Support Service at CPS was moved by Harry’s reflection and commented “I like to think that this report represents an effort from the CPS to reach into the community to enable men to tell us about their understanding of their needs. Importantly, the development of awareness in fathers that the seeds of renewal and healing lie within themselves, is a process that happens in a fabric of supportive relationships, of which the CPS is one thread.”

“Heidelberg West has long been identified as an area of high need with respect to child protection concerns and we want to support men in their role as parents and to be more engaged in their children’s lives,” said Marianne Mahony, Manager of Donor Relationships at CPS. “This report suggests ways CPS can encourage men to access our services such as the Father’s Support Program and The Young Somali Dad’s Program to assist them in their parenting and relationship needs.”

Mick Geary, Manager Community Programs at Banyule Community Health and a board member of Children’s Protection Society said the report has already led to changes in the service. “We have recently employed a Men’s Health worker to address the needs of men in Banyule,” Mr Geary said.

It is timely that this report coincided with Men’s Health week as it highlights lifestyle factors such as being overweight, smoking and drinking along with social isolation as important determinates leading to poor health in men.

A barbeque and fruit was enjoyed by community members in the mall following the launch.

For more information about services to support men’s health:
Children’s Protection Society, www.cps.org.au
70 Altona St West Heidelberg, ph 9450 0900,
Banyule Community Health www.bch.org.au,
21 Alamein Rd, West Heidelberg, ph 9450 2000; 3/25-33 Grimshaw St, Greensborough, ph 9433 5111
Heidelberg West Neighbourhood Renewal: www.neighbourhoodrenewal.vic.gov.au/projects/west_heidelberg

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