A Sunshine Coast-founded men’s mental health movement will wrap up a month-long national campaign as it continues to promote its impactful message.
Grab Life by the Balls has been hosting its annual Grab Life by the BBQ initiative throughout September, encouraging mates, families and businesses across the country to fire up the grill and create spaces for meaningful connection.
It will culminate in a community celebration at Your Mates Brewing Co on Sunday, September 28.
Founded on the Coast, the grassroots movement is built on the idea that relaxed social settings can spark important conversations about men’s mental health and wellbeing.
From casual catch-ups to community events, it aims to make connection easy and stigma-free.
This year’s campaign has seen barbecue events pop up nationwide, giving men the chance to come together, share a meal and check in with each other.
Founder Sam Parker said the upcoming official after-party would be a chance to bring the community together and celebrate the progress made.
“Grab Life by the BBQ is all about making connection simple,” he said.
“The finale at Your Mates is our chance to bring everyone together, celebrate the month and keep building momentum around men’s mental health.”
Mr Parker, a former chiropractor, said he is passionate about making a difference to men’s mental health.
“When I first started this, it was about making some big change – and you really want to shake the tree,” he said.
“What we found was being more relaxed and more social and more ‘blokey’ was the way to engage the guys and get them to come along.
“That grassroots approach works for us. But, also, many experts say it’s underrated in suicide prevention and in improving mental health.
“If you’re going to choose one thing to move the needle to make positive change to men’s health and wellbeing, it’s mateship.
“If we can foster that and do that well, that’s a great place to start.”
Mr Parker acknowledged the biggest hurdle is keeping men engaged.
“I really noticed the massive difference between communicating health and wellbeing and positive change (between men and women),” he said.
“You say those sorts of things to women, and women get excited. You say the same things to a bunch of blokes and they start running away from you.
“There are guys who haven’t spoken about their sh*t, but credit us with saving their lives or getting them out of a hole, just because of being in a friendly environment. A community. That sense of belonging.”
The September 28 event will feature live music, food and mateship, with organisers encouraging the wider community to join the celebration.
For more information and to book a table click here.
