Deans, Carolyn ORCID: 0000-0003-3698-5457, Bessant, Leonie, Fishman, Alana, Fraser, Trisnasari, Kostrz, Krysia, Mccartin, John, Puxley, Shane, Williams, Rob, Sullivan, Melinda and Wright, Sarah (2017) Western Bulldogs Community Foundation: Sons of the West Premiership Season 2017 Evaluation of psychosocial components. Project Report. Internal Report, Melbourne: Victoria University. (Unpublished)

Abstract

Now in its fourth year, the Sons of the West program continues to promote men’s health and behaviour change inVictoria’s west, with 17 sites now delivering the program across nine Local Government Areas. In 2017, the 10-week ‘Premiership Season’ was attended by almost 800 participants, with the majority of men attending many, if not all, weekly sessions. Since its commencement, the SOTW program has operated with the core goals of improving the health and wellbeing of its participants, with a focus on social connectedness and inclusion, resilience and improved health capacity, including mental health. These improvements are made through educational and interactive seminars, group physical activity sessions, the provision of psychological services, and endorsement and facilitation of broader health, social, and community engagement. This report outlines the psychosocial impacts of the SOTW program, as measured by participants’ self-reports and feedback collected via qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods. It has shown that from commencement to completion, the program has succeeded in improving the psychosocial wellbeing of its participants; specifically, program participation correlates with decreased distress and loneliness, increased resilience, and further engagement with social and psychological supports. Qualitative and anecdotal data consistently illustrate participants’ enjoyment and personal benefit, with many men expressing a desire to continue through the programs’ three years to graduation.

Search Google Scholar

Repository staff login