In February, Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland and the Carpentaria Freemasons, in partnership with community health non-profit CheckUP, will run an information session in Yungaburra, Tully and Cairns as part of the ‘Men’s Health Matters’ awareness campaign.
The state-wide campaign began in September 2019 and is visiting towns all over Queensland until March this year.
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said empowering people to lead better lives was an important part of the charity’s work in the community.
“Improving men’s mental and physical health, both at a state-wide and grassroots level, is part of our charitable focus, which is why we’ve partnered with CheckUP to bring this initiative to communities across Queensland,” Mr Mark said.
The free public information sessions will be delivered by a healthcare provider and will cover a range of topics such as nutrition and physical activity, early detection of cancer, diabetes and heart disease, mental health and relationships.
CheckUP CEO Ann Maree Liddy said this format is the perfect vehicle to spread awareness about men’s health and wellbeing.
“We are delighted to have formed this partnership with Hand Heart Pocket and Freemason Lodges throughout the state to deliver this campaign,” Ms Liddy said.
“The importance of mental and physical health can’t be ignored and providing a safe environment for attendees to have conversations about these matters is essential.”
Carpentaria District Grand Master Henry Condon said by having three separate events as many Far North Queenslanders as possible will be able to participate.
“We have a presence in many FNQ communities, from Port Douglas down to Tully and out to Georgetown. Our members on the Atherton Tablelands, in Tully and in Cairns have taken the lead to host a session in their area,” Henry said.
“We’re known for our charity work, however providing a forum where men can talk and find out more about their health and wellbeing in a comfortable setting is yet another way that we can make a difference in the region.”
“I would urge our members in Far North Queensland to come along to one of these events and bring along their friends, family and neighbours.
The Carpentaria leg of the Men’s Health Matters events will kick off in Cairns at the Freshwater Masonic Centre on Friday 28 February at 9:30am. This will be followed by the Atherton Tablelands event also on Friday 28 February at the Yungaburra Masonic Centre commencing at 5pm. The final session for the Far North will be held at Tully on Saturday 29 February starting at 2.00pm at the Tully Masonic Centre.
