Chirnside Park tradie hosting men’s health event for Beyond Blue, Eastern Health
A Chirnside Park chippy wants to let other blokes who are struggling know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And he is hosting the She Won’t Be Right Mate event for those who might need a helping hand.
Outer East
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“She won’t be right, mate” is the message a Chirnside Park chippy is pushing ahead of an event to help men struggling with their mental health.
MPR Building and Carpentry owner Marcus Reeves is hosting in inaugural fundraiser in the Yarra Ranges after experiencing a breakdown of his own earlier this year.
Sunday’s She Won’t Be Right Mate fundraiser will have food trucks, music acts, and displays for car and bike enthusiasts, with all proceeds going to Beyond Blue and Eastern Health.
A live auction will also take place on the day with donated items from supportive businesses from the outer east, as well as big ticket items including corporate box tickets to a Richmond footy game, signed Carlton FC football, signed V8 car bonnet and a signed AC/DC guitar.
For the 28-year-old tradie, being able to help even one person reach out for help is a success.
“Having been through my own experience with mental health last year, which resulted in becoming an inpatient at Maroondah Hospital, I felt it was important to do something,” Mr Reeves said.
After continuously pushing aside his own worries and problems, and acting “tough”, things took a turn for the carpenter.
“It blew up and I had to have a few people drag me off the floor and help me out,” Mr Reeves said.
“Us blokes try and tough it out and say ‘she’ll be right, mate’.”
He said he wanted to let blokes know there was a light at the end of the tunnel, and it was worth getting the help you need — even if you feel like “it’s not worth waking up in the morning”.
“It’s about building stepping stones and making sure you get on top of things,” he said.
Mr Reeves has also gathered together a group of volunteers ready to help out someone who is struggling or a family who has lost a loved one to suicide by helping fix up their home.
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According to Beyond Blue, men make up an average six out of eight suicides daily in Australia.
The event kicks off at 11am Ramset Drive in Chirnside Park.
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4626
Lifeline: 13 11 14