Sons of the West - the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation's flagship men's health program - has left a journalist "awed" by his experience of being a participant.
Fergus Ellis was granted exclusive access to a recent Sons of the West program at Mission Whitten Oval, shadowing participants and Bulldogs players - including Tom Liberatore and Luke Kennedy - who volunteered their time to support.
Writing in the Herald Sun, Ellis noted the enjoyable and supportive atmosphere of a program that targets mental, physical, social and emotional wellbeing for men of all ages.
"Participants were able to rub shoulders with Dogs stars, talk openly and honestly with one another, listen to seminars spanning a range of topics, and kick the footy with their mates," Ellis wrote.
"I was surrounded by a bunch of blokes who cheered me on and laughed along with me as I clumsily battled my through the physical tests.
"That is the beauty of Sons of the West: a group of men who aren’t afraid to put themselves out there, support each other and be comfortable being uncomfortable at times.
"Across the 10 weeks of Sons of the West, I met some great people completing the program and a group of people behind the scenes who genuinely care about the footy club and community they serve.
"For a club that many consider their ‘second favourite team’, it was hard not to be awed by the players and staff who make the Sons of the West program so special."
Liberatore told Ellis that the true reward was the chance to give back to the Bulldogs community.
“It’s really special being able to share a place and time with someone you don’t know, not having to solve anything or try and be a hero in any way … you learn off them and they can learn off you too,” Liberatore said.
“That’s the main thing: just to sit and listen, chat when you need to or just spend time with someone and learn and help at the same time.”
Veteran participant David Oke said he had not just benefitted physically and mentally from the program, but had made lifelong friends who he now catches up with every week.
“It was a bit of an eye-opener because not only were we talking about men’s health issues, but we were also getting some physical exercise in … which I had been lacking for quite a while,” he said.
“It’s a fraternity, it’s a brotherhood. You never take for granted the bonds and fellowship you make at Sons of the West.”
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT HERALD SUN
Sons of the West: Inside the Bulldogs’ men’s wellbeing program | Herald Sun
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