Photo caption: Daniel Aitchison, Spiritus Metro South Manager, taking the blood pressure of Men’s Shed Conference participant Ric Colclough from the Sunshine Coast

Spiritus is looking at new ways of communicating with men, often a difficult group to reach with health advice.

The innovative Spiritus Pit Stop program was showcased at the recent Australian Men’s Shed Conference in Brisbane as a means of communicating about the major issues affecting men’s health such as blood pressure, smoking, skin cancer, alcohol intake, obesity and fitness.

Spiritus Managers Daniel Aitchison and Matthew Schull spent much of the time checking the blood pressure of conference participants and discussing individual health care options.

“The Pit Stop program is an excellent way in which we can link in with those who are involved in the whole Men’s Shed movement, which addresses the health needs of so many men, especially those who may have become isolated and may be experiencing depression,” says Daniel.

Spiritus Director of Mission, the Rev’d Canon Rod MacDonald, is enthusiastic about the program.

“Involvement in the conference is a logical part of Spiritus education and training and feeds into supporting men who are able to gather together and support each other. This is fundamental to the well-being of many men, who may be retiring and perhaps leaving much of their identity behind.”