Swimming in the dark is no barrier for man who is blind

For many, losing their sight is the worst thing they could imagine happening to them. More than 30 years ago, this fear became reality for Melburnian, Allan Bates.

“I had an accident in my teens resulting in the loss of the left eye. I developed Sympathetic Opthalmia and my over active immune system slowly destroyed the right eye over 30 years. I am now totally blind, can't even see light and have been for about 20 years” said Mr Bates.

Instead of shying away from his vision loss, Mr Bates became more determined than ever to take on new challenges and prove to people in his life that anything is possible.

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New Parent Infant Network (NEWPIN) supporting fathers

NEWPIN offers parents and children a unique opportunity for positive changes in their lives and relationships, based on four core values of support, equality, empathy and respect. NEWPIN is a preventative, early intervention program, offering intensive work with families facing potential or actual child-protection issues. The award-winning program combines peer support, quality early education and personal development that is structured and therapeutic. NEWPIN centres are based in local communities and offer safe and supportive environments. There are six centres in Australia: Bidwill, Doonside, St Marys, Bidwill Fathers Program, (operated by UnitingCare Burnside). Geelong (operated by Bethany Community Support), Launceston (operated by Northern NEWPIN) and Canberra (operated by UnitingCare Kippax).

Victorian Men's health & wellbeing strategy background paper released

The development of the Men's health and wellbeing strategy background paper has been the initial step in the development of the first Victorian Men’s health and wellbeing strategy.

Community feedback on the background paper is now being sought to assist in the development of the final strategy. Submissions close Monday 31 May 2010.

The background paper provides the first comprehensive picture of the health and wellbeing of Victorian men. It sets out a framework and principles for responding to health issues common to men and proposes a range of priority areas for action.

The approach outlined recognises the importance of government and service providers understanding and responding to gender differences in health behaviours as well as the need to support men in improving their own health.