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Training opportunities

A series of training and education opportunities for community members are being offered throughout 2021. The training will help participants support others to challenge unhealthy gender stereotypes and break the stigma around men’s mental health.

Training is based on the Jesuit Social Services ‘The Man Box’ study which reveals young Australian men freed from outdated gender stereotypes enjoy better physical and mental health.

For more information about the project, contact Rosie Silva Project Coordinator on 0429 864 693 or hmproject@familylife.com.au

If you missed our free webinar with AFL footballer Josh Kennedy, you can watch it online.

It’s perfect for parents, teachers, sports coaches and anyone who cares about the health and wellbeing of young boys in our community.

Learn how to engage and empower men and boys to face the pressure of living up to outdated rules of manhood as Josh shares his experiences as a dad, husband, son and AFL footballer.

New research shows how outdated ideas of being ‘a real man’ not only lead to increased aggressive and controlling behaviour towards others, but also contributes to reduced physical and mental health for men and boys themselves.

According to Victorian health data, nearly 20% of men on the Peninsula have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression.

The pressure on men to follow outdated stereotypes of masculinity is contributing to their anxiety, depression, risky drinking and violence against women.

In partnership with specialist family services provider, Family Life, we will deliver the ‘Mornington Peninsula Communities Creating Change’ project which aims to engage community across the Peninsula to help raise awareness of how rigid gender roles hold men back from living healthy, happy lives.

The Shire has received VicHealth funding of $120,000 over two years to advance gender equality and improve health and wellbeing of men, boys and the broader community by addressing outdated masculine stereotypes.

Modelling Respect and Equality (MoRE) is an innovative program aiming to build your skills and knowledge to help you create change in your community around issues of respect and equality, particularly among boys and men.

The MoRE program will be run by the social change organisation Jesuit Social Services The Men’s Project.

Drawing on more than 40 years experience, the Jesuit Social Services established The Men’s Project to provide:

• leadership on the reduction of violence and other harmful behaviours prevalent among boys and men, and
• to build new approaches to improve their wellbeing and keep families and communities safe.

The Men’s Project supports boys and men to live respectful, accountable and fulfilling lives, where they are able to:

• develop good relationships free from violence and
• play their role in making the community safe.

Research shows that gender inequality and narrow, rigid gender stereotypes are harmful for all of us. They:

• prevent women and men from living healthy, safe and fulfilling lives and
• contribute to violence and other harmful behaviours.

More than ever, the behaviours and attitudes of Australian boys and men are called into question, due to:

• the #MeToo movement and unprecedented attention on family violence,
• high levels of mental health and suicide,
• substance abuse problems,
• inquiries into child sexual abuse in institutions and
• sexual assault and harassment in universities and schools.

The question is how do we get people to play their part in building safe, respectful and equal communities?

A positive approach is needed.

We believe that role models, of all genders and ages, in the places where boys and men live, work, and meet are crucial.

We want to support role models who interact with boys and men on a regular basis so they can challenge limiting and harmful stereotypes and promote respect and equality.