A group of Brimbank men are celebrating their graduation from the latest Sons of the West program.
The program, led by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation in partnership with Brimbank council, sees men over the age of eighteen attend health and wellbeing sessions over the course of ten weeks.
Ardeer resident, Paul Pembleton, said he had hesitations when initially signing up.
“I was a bit skeptical. I’m 66 going into a program with a bunch of strangers.”
But after completing the course Paul said the program helped him to become fitter and more engaged.
“I’m starting to think proactively about my wellbeing,” he said.
Each two-hour session in the Sons of the West program is divided into halves.
The first hour is dedicated to interactive conversation, led by guest presenters, over coffee and tea.
The group discusses a range of subjects such as food, waste, gender equity, mental health and gambling.
“One big session they had was ‘what’s in my backyard.’ That was a big eye-opener.”
Paul said that particular session made him aware of community groups and services in the area.
The second hour is devoted to physical health with men completing workouts tailored towards their capabilities.
Some men head upstairs into the gym and others, such as Paul, do resistance exercise downstairs.
“I’ve gone and bought the equipment to do it myself at home,’ he said.
“I’m starting to buy more fruit too.”
At the graduation ceremony, Paul was recognised with an award for best reflecting the values of the Sons of the West.
