Nic Street,Minister for Community Services and Development
Men's Health Week is a great opportunity to talk about the key issues in men's health and to raise the profile of men's health outcomes and health needs in Tasmania and around the country.
This year the Tasmanian Men's Shed Association (TMSA) is supporting Men's Health Week with a campaign about 'Men Time' through their 'Dr Shed' series with medical expert Bryan Walpole, which will promote the importance of looking after yourself, and each other.
I acknowledge and thank all members of the more than 60 Men's Sheds now registered across Tasmania for hosting events and gatherings across the State. Men's Sheds play an incredibly important role in providing a safe outlet to meet, share information and stay connected to their community while supporting men's health and wellbeing at the same time.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is a strong supporter of our Men's Sheds and in the 2021-22 Budget we increased funding for the Tasmanian Men's Sheds Association Grants Program to $175,000 per year over the next three years, as part of our additional $4.3 million investment into the community sector. This funding is on top of our significant commitment to mental health and wellbeing in this year's budget.
The Grants Program will also include extended eligibility criteria for wellbeing initiatives to support the health of members so they can help and support each other.
Men's Health Week is a great time to celebrate and connect with one another as part of a more holistic approach to health care, and I encourage all Tasmanians to consider their friends and family members this Men's Health Week and to help and connect with each other.
