It is often said that if you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything.
“This is absolutely true. It is also true that good physical health and good mental health take on even more significance when you don’t have them,” said Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.
“I’m proud that men’s health is a NSW Coalition priority. We’ve announced that a Nationals Government will deliver a dedicated 10-year Men and Boys Health Strategy by the end of 2027.
“We’ve committed to hosting a two-day Men’s Health Summit next year, bringing together health professionals, men’s and boys’ health organisations, researchers and men’s health advocates to help inform and shape the Strategy’s delivery.
“As a father of two boys, the future health and wellbeing of boys and men is very important to me. This 10-year Strategy says to them that we have your backs.”
Mr Singh said some of the statistics surrounding men’s health are stark and demonstrate the need for action.
“For example, 50 per cent of deaths in males aged under 75 are potentially avoidable through earlier intervention, improved access to health care and lifestyle support,” he said.
“More than 75 per cent of deaths by suicide in NSW are men. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 44.
“The barriers men and boys face in accessing physical and mental health supports are a serious public health challenge for the more than four million men and boys living in NSW.
“Every man and boy, no matter where they live, deserves to grow up happy and healthy. Our Men and Boys Health Strategy will ensure we know where to direct government investment and have a way of measuring progress.”
Mental health help: in an emergency, call Triple Zero (000); Lifeline 13 11 14; Mental Health Line 1800 011 511; MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
