Mental Health Walk – June 2025 

Following the success of our first Mental Health Walk at Centennial Park in April, we're heading back to familiar territory on the North Side. Our next walk will take place on Friday, 27 June at 6:45 AM, meeting at The Boathouse, Shelley Beach Kiosk (Manly). From there, we'll walk to North Steyne Surf Club and back for coffee. It's an easy and scenic loop, and as always, it's about connection, conversation, and looking out for our mates. We'd love to see you there. 

 Mentoring Men: The Power of Showing Up Across the US prison system, it's estimated that 70–90% of incarcerated men grew up without a positive male role model. Closer to home, men account for 75% of suicides in Australia. These are stark reminders that young men in particular often need someone other than their father to help guide the way. One organisation doing vital work in this space is Mentoring Men, a not-for-profit chaired by Ben Connolly (OR87). 

Their mission is simple but powerful: to connect men with trained, local mentors who can help them navigate life's challenges before things go sideways. They offer a range of programs that build connection, confidence, and resilience. 

If you're interested in the OIU hosting a course let us know - if there's enough interest, we'll organise a session with Ben and his team. 

You can also explore their work here: mentoringmen.org.au 

As always, we welcome your ideas for future walks, speakers, or stories. Please reach out to Sam Shepherd at sam.shepherd@oiu.org.au if you'd like to contribute. Let's keep turning up for each other.