Hole in one for mental health

Mates helping mates: Cyril Davis, South West Rocks Golf Club’s professional Shaun Piper and Matty Davis

MEN’S mental health will be highlighted at an annual charity golf day in January to raise awareness about depression, anxiety and suicide.

The onset of mental illness is typically around mid-to-late adolescence and Australian youth (18-24 years old) have the highest prevalence of mental illness than any other age group. 

The Mates for Mates Golf Day, to be held on January 22 at the South West Rocks Golf Club, is about people getting together to play golf but most importantly to play golf, while discussing issues around their everyday lives.

Mates for Mates Golf Day organiser Matty Davis said the initiative began three years ago after a family member committed suicide.

“My first cousin committed suicide due to depression and that was enough to drive me and other family members to create the day,” Davis said.

“A way of communicating and sharing problems for many men is through sport and we thought playing golf is a good way for men to get together with some of their mates and have fun.

“It’s about promoting men’s health and talking about issues like anxiety and depression but most importantly about healthy families.”

The Mates for Mates Golf Day is supported by national youth mental heath foundation Head Space who provides early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year-olds.

Head Space Port Macquarie community engagement officer Tracie Hazell said the Mates for Mates Golf Day encourages young men to talk about mental health issues that affect them.

“We want to encourage early health speaking so people don’t leave things to the last minute where they become bigger problems,” Ms Hazell said. 

“We find when people get early intervention they are able to get their lives back on track a bit quicker.  “It’s about breaking down the barriers to accessing mental health services and encouraging people find help.”

 The Mates for Mates Golf Day will be held on January 22 at the South West Rocks Golf Club.  For more information and to register contact the South West Rocks Golf Club’s professional Shaun Piper on 6566 6880.

Hole in one for mental health