As the old saying goes, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With that in mind, it is hoped a new burger launched at popular Wollongong burger bar His Boy Elroy will do its bit for men's mental health in the Illawarra.
Three dollars from each Blokes Burger will held fund a new concept called 'It's a Blokes Chats', a series of pop-up events encouraging men to attend and talk openly about issues they might be facing. The Blokes Burger is a unique creation featuring both a chicken and beef fillet.
The 'It's a Blokes Chat' events will take place in 2020 and be held at His Boy Elroy in partnership with the organisers of 'It's a Bloke's Lunch' event.
"Mental health, particularly men's mental health, is an issue which is very close to our hearts. I was in the army for seven years and understand the toll mental health can have on lives and the lives of those around you," His Boy's Lachlan Stevens said.
"That's why, I am very passionate about supporting causes like this one.
"At His Boy Elroy, we want to create a safe space for clients. Not everyone is always up for a chat, but sometimes just knowing that there is someone there, helps. Even a little bit."
To assist this the restaurant will be arranging for staff to receive mental health first aid training to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental illness and assist patrons who may be in crisis.
Blokes Lunch organiser Josh Tree said the Chats would be a mini version of the popular lunch.
"The main thing is we want to create more opportunities and safe environments for blokes to be able to have shoulder-to-shoulder conversations and feel comfortable in being able to talk to a mate," he said.
"It's about giving blokes the tools to be able have those conversations, identify signs and symptoms of a mate in crisis and being able to direct them towards help if need.
Each of the Chats held across March to May will have a featured guest, centred towards specific men's health issue.
People can keep an eye on the Facebook page via https://www.facebook.com/itsablokeslunch/
