28/10/2023
The importance of developing close relationships was one of the key messages at this year’s Yanchep Community Men’s Shed health and wellbeing event in October.
To know you can ‘talk to a mate’ for support, is a key factor in maintaining good mental health and that’s what the Men’s Shed is all about.
Guest speaker Terry Melrose from Regional Men’s Health provided tips on how to do this: come to the Shed and chat to other guys; replace screen time with quality time together; make sure to do new things together; and reach out to friends or family you may have lost touch with.
Second presenter Chaplain Richard McAllister from Men’s Sheds of Western Australia gave a moving talk on the “Battle of the Mind’ sharing how he overcame the tragic loss of his wife: managing grief, aware of thoughts and not letting the mind take control. It was a life changing moment when he realised you can actually stop the negative voices in the head: “I can think for myself”. Although not always easy, Richard added when the amygdala the part of the brain that hijacks the nervous system takes over, but comes with practice.
A guided breathwork session ‘The Power of the Breath’ was one technique that all attendees experienced at the event – a useful tool to help quieten the mind and regulate the nervous system.
Malcolm Gow, Chairman of the Yanchep Community Men’s Shed also updated attendees about the issue the Shed has in finding a new home. Over 1,200 signatures were presented to Wanneroo City Council by Cllr Sonet Coetzee to appeal for support and will be discussed at the next Council Forum. He also gave a big thanks to sponsors of the event: Leopard Lodge; Yanchep Community Pharmacy and Powerplay Health and Fitness.
Barry Sue local resident also presented his interesting investigations into the ‘Ghosts of the Alkimos’ shipwreck.
Come along to the Yanchep Community Men’s Shed on Monday to Saturday between 9am and 12 noon to chat to the men. The next ‘Ladies Day’ is today Saturday 28 October and on very second Saturday between 9 – 12.
