11 May 2023
Earlier this year, Kooralbyn Men’s Group Coordinator Alan Watkins reached out to take part in PCFA’s new Life Force Program.
The program, which recently launched, aims to engage community groups and workplaces across Australia to become local champions in the fight against prostate cancer.
Groups and workplaces can be paired with a PCFA volunteer Community Speaker who can speak with stakeholders and staff about prostate cancer to raise awareness of early detection and support services available, plus connect them in with other local PCFA initiatives.
The program will start conversations, increase awareness and encourage action within groups like the Kooralbyn Men’s Group.
Kooralbyn Men’s Group launched in 2018 and is underpinned by a determination to boost social support for older locals, with attendees hoping to drive better mental and physical health outcomes across the board for rural men.
Having been diagnosed with prostate cancer himself, and working for Beaucare as an Aged Care Counsellor and Disability Support Worker, Mr Watkins is particularly passionate about helping the community and saw Life Force as a fantastic way to spread the message about prostate health.
“About 20 of us meet weekly in a setting of total acceptance, respect and safety,” Mr Watkins shared.
“As well as social support, the Kooralbyn Men’s Group go on outings and have presenters come in to share their knowledge with us. We were pleased to welcome a Life Force community speaker to our latest meeting on Tuesday 2 May.”
The Group also hosts quarterly dinners encouraging partners, wives and family members to come along and get to know one another.
“We can’t help but form close bonds with one another – not just the men but their wives too,” said Mr Watkins.
“One member actually said to me recently that the Group really helps to keep the black dog at bay and to me, having a positive impact on men who are experiencing or have a history of depression means everything.”
If you are part of a business or community group, or know of any that might be interested in joining the Life Force Program or connecting with a Community Speaker, email PCFA at lifeforce@pcfa.org.au
