Men’s wellbeing is back in the spotlight.
Recent media articles have highlighted high rates of male suicide. In Waikato, a leading model for men’s wellbeing networks is being formed. Now, it seems, is time for action.
Last year Waikato Times columnist Chris Williams put his devastation on paper when he wrote about a close friend committing suicide as a result of financial pressures. This sad, but all too common, story created a spark amongst a group of local business and HisBiz was formed.
Now a formal partnership between Waikato Chamber of Commerce and Workwise Employment Ltd – HisBiz is aimed at connecting the business and wellbeing worlds to create prosperous, healthy futures for men.
It’s not a new men’s club. HisBiz is about really addressing the issues that men face and find difficult to discuss. It’s about finding and sharing tools; and encouraging frank conversations.
Recently the guys at HisBiz got together to decide on a plan of action for 2010. Looking closely at the results of last year’s ‘what men want from HisBiz’ survey, the guys decided to push forward with a HisBiz website. The site will be launched in late May/early June. It will look at health, sport, technology and business as well as building connections with other groups and organisations and promoting regional events. The regular HisBiz member’s email will also continue and a number of HisBiz events are in the pipeline.
HisBiz has been created from one person’s story, but we all have something to learn from that. Men, like their friends, families and business, are important. If we want to do something about the issues men are facing, we must stand up and do something. It’s about the spirit of brotherhood. Side by side.
For more information email theguys@hisbiz.co.nz.
Keep your eyes peeled for www.hisbiz.co.nz launching soon!
Tags: men, partnership, support, wellbeing
