Man Up for mental health in Yarrabilba

The Maori phrase of ‘Tu Tangata’ has a simple meaning in the English language – ‘Stand Tall’.

As the slogan of local mental health organisation Man Up, the phrase is designed to help men face their futures with confidence.

Man Up, launched in New Zealand in 2015, is a 10-week course during which participants discuss topics such as drug and alcohol addiction, anger and forgiveness.

Men aged 18 and over can take part in the Man Up program, which operates at locations across the City of Logan.

The Yarrabilba group, led by Jared Waaka, meets at 6:30 pm every Thursday at The Buzz community centre in Yarrabilba.

Jared – a former participant – says Man Up meetings are a safe place for men to open up.

‘Each week is a different topic. It’s about unpacking all the stuff you might have been brought up with … (and) sharing whatever is holding you back,’ Jared says.

A key focus of the group is supporting fathers through the challenges of family life.

‘The power is in the home, so (the idea is) if you heal the man, you heal the family,’ Jared says.

Division 4 Councillor Nathan St Ledger says groups like Man Up are vital to the health of local communities.

‘Man Up and similar groups are supporting those who might be struggling, or just looking to connect with like-minded people,’ Cr St Ledger says.

‘This is what the City of Logan is built on – people helping other people.’

The Buzz, operated by YMCA, is at 65 Basalt Drive, Yarrabilba.

Council’s website has details on Man Up and other local men’s groups. Visit Men’s programs and groups – Logan City Council.

By Samantha Stiller

Photo at top: Cr Nathan St Ledger (left) with Man Up facilitator Jared Waaka (front) and participants (back from left) Matthew Hart, David Henderson, Kyle Schmerse, Jordan Dewar and Chance Roberts.