As part of Men’s Health Week, the Clontarf Foundation is recognising the importance of helping young men understand, manage and take ownership of their health.
Across Australia, Clontarf academies regularly work with local health providers to support academy members to access health checks, medical advice and preventative care. These partnerships play an important role in helping young men identify health concerns early, build confidence in using health services and understand the importance of looking after their long-term wellbeing.
In Queensland, Sonic Healthcare has continued to support Clontarf academies through the delivery of comprehensive health checks. At St Brendan’s Academy in Yeppoon, Sonic Healthcare delivered 136 health checks across four days, with nurses, doctors and phlebotomists providing professional and culturally aware care in a welcoming environment.
Sonic Healthcare also worked with Kirwan Academy in Townsville to complete 204 health checks across all year levels. Academy members took part in hearing and vision checks, blood pressure monitoring, consultations with nurses and doctors, and other assessments designed to help identify potential health concerns early.
In Western Australia, boys from Karratha Primary Academy participated in the Strong Hearts on Ngurra Project, delivered by WA Country Health Service. The program focused on screening for Rheumatic Heart Disease through heart ultrasounds, helping identify potential concerns while teaching boys more about their own health.
In the Northern Territory, Nhulunbuy Academy members have also been putting their health first. Throughout the first semester, academy members attended Miwatj Health each Tuesday morning to receive their health checks, with more than half of the academy already seen and assessed by a doctor.
Nhulunbuy Academy has also welcomed visits from audiologists and dentists, giving boys the opportunity to complete checks, ask questions and receive referrals where needed. The academy plans to continue running health days and sessions to help boys stay on top of their wellbeing.
These examples reflect the broader health and wellbeing support taking place across Clontarf academies nationally. Clontarf thanks Sonic Healthcare, WA Country Health Service, Miwatj Health and the many doctors, nurses, specialists and support staff who continue to help academy members stay healthy, supported and ready to make the most of every opportunity.
