Compassion, Communication, Connection: NSW Masonic Club to Host Men’s Health Talk

That quote, from NSW Masonic Club General Manager Helen Jacobe, is the prevailing sentiment behind an all-encompassing Men’s Health Talk for members by the renowned Dr Greg Levenston OAM on Thursday, 27 August.

The Club organised the special event at the suggestion of its Seniors Club — predominantly made up of retired businessmen — who have taken great benefit from meeting monthly and discussing issues relevant to them.

A deep sense of community and understanding sparked the idea for a Club-wide forum.

“The men have found that getting support from other blokes the same age and in similar situations was very helpful,” Helen explains.

“They discovered that, well, they weren't alone; that they are not the only one with this sort of thought or this ailment… they've gotten a bit of emotional support from that, so they wanted to extend it.”

Club Patron Dr Levenston, a decorated GP in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for decades, will cover topics including physical health KPIs, prostate disease, living with dementia, virtual care, navigating new life stages and end-of-life care.

Mental health, a subject not always associated with senior men, will also be a key focus.

“They're talking about milestones in men's lives and how that impacts on their (physical) health as well as their mental health,” Jacobe explains.

“Men, particularly Australian men, they tend to be, ‘oh, I'm a bloke. I can't talk about that’. But they actually need to and they should — it's good to talk about it, just to break down those sorts of stereotypes a bit.”

Dr Levenston adds: “Men's health is all about risk, listening, trusting and relating. There are no secrets.”

“I emphasise compassion, communication and connection,” he says of his talk. “And all of this in a two-way conversation.”

It’s not only men who are invited – women are more than welcome to attend and perhaps gain a greater understanding of issues impacting a loved one or their relationship.

As Helen explains, the wellbeing of members is at the heart of everything the NSW Masonic Club does.

“We care very deeply about them,” she says.

“Some of them have been members for more than 50 years. This is their home away from home… it's really a social support system.”

Entry is $10, which covers the cost of coffee, tea and morning snacks provided by the Club.

Bookings are essential and required by Monday, 24 August. To RSVP, contact Rita on (02) 9284 1006.

More information is available here.