Men’s health forum to take place on Thursday at Masonic Hall

A men’s health forum will be taking place in Manjimup on Thursday, with a panel of experts coming to discuss different health matters that affect men. Manjimup Freemasons member Bob Phillips will be holding a forum on Thursday night to discuss men’s health and wellbeing with a panel of doctors and health specialists attending. The panel will consists of Manjimup practitioner Dr John Davies, chemist William Green, retired human rights and community building professor Jon Ife, and psychologist Elizabeth Pellecaan, who will all talk about community building and general health for men. Mr Phillips said the forum came into fruition after concerns they had involving community members and the Freemasons’ own struggles in finding new membership. “It was a follow-up to our concerns that people aren’t involved in community clubs, due to the lack of interest and the busy lives of community members,” he said. “With all that, mental health issues are on the rise and we’re still encouraging those in the community to still join community groups. “Although it’s a health forum for men, we’re also inviting women to it as well, so then partners can hear about it and help build a conversation around mental health, too.” Mr Phillips said the night was more of a social event to encourage people to discuss health and mental wellbeing, with a raffle happening to help cover costs for the free event, including supper. “It’s a social occasion for people to boost both mental health and discussions around it,” he said. “After the forum, there will be coffee and supper served and people can mingle and talk to whomever they want to talk to.” Mr Phillips said the forum was a part of several events the Masonic Hall was hosting to gather people for socialising, with the next event being a storytelling event. The Men’s Health Forum will take place at the Manjimup Masonic Hall, starting at 7pm and free for everyone to attend.