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The Viking Wellbeing initiative is an emotional health care-service that is accessible to Churchie Old Boys, and indeed the whole Churchie community, to help deal with increasing social and professional pressures.
Over the past 25 years, accelerating shifts in technology have impacted cultures around the world which has brought about an increasing number of social and professional issues, pressures and stress. Without the necessary coping mechanisms, this can potentially lead to a path of depression, anxiety and perhaps even suicide. Whilst many people may understand the availability of existing organisations, they don't always feel comfortable utilising those organisations, simply because they don't associate with them.
The Churchie OBA has always been instrumental in creating a sense of belonging amongst its Old Boys to create an incredibly supportive community. The Viking Wellbeing initiative embraces and espouses that philosophy.
ManUp! was founded in 2010 by past Churchie parents Jill and Brian Costello following Brian’s heart wrenching diagnosis of prostate cancer. The Costello family were determined to make a difference to the information and support available to patients with prostate cancer. Sadly, after battling several melanomas and lung cancer, Brian passed away in March 2018. Their important work is now continued by Jill and Leah (Brian’s daughter) who spend over 10 months on the road each year, educating men about the cancer and the need for regular testing.
ManUp! has been at the forefront of prostate cancer education and support, especially in regional and rural areas across Queensland and New South Wales. Their mission is clear and impactful: to halt the deaths caused by prostate cancer through education and by encouraging men to undergo early detection tests. With, and with the survival rate significantly higher if detected early, the OBA Committee wants to ensure that the critical message Man Up! delivers can be heard by our community.
As Churchie Old Boys, we are known for our commitment to excellence, support for one another, and the impact we make on the broader community. ManUp! would welcome your support – allowing them to change lives, save families, and create a legacy of health and awareness that will benefit generations to come.
Please click here to read more on the ManUp! website.
The Viking Wellbeing initiative was originally proposed by Old Boys John Stavrou and Damien Edmonds after Tim Borthwick, a member of their 1987 cohort, took his own life in July 2018. Of those men who have already passed away from the 1987 cohort, approximately 25% were a result of challenges with anxiety and depression.
John and Damien then engaged the Churchie OBA to set up a healthcare service in support of Churchie Old Boys and their families, using existing emotional health infrastructure.
Viking Wellbeing is the initiative and 1300BLUEGREY is the catalyst for this positive influence in the lives of those in our Churchie community.
We are also indebted to and acknowledge the following organisations and individuals, all of whom have an affiliation with Churchie and have made themselves available for this ongoing discussion.
Ford Health Toby Ford (1977)
Roses in the Ocean Bronwen Edwards - sister of Mark Edwards (1982)
Stand Tall for PTS Tony Dell (1963) and Kevin Alcock (1962)
The Long Gallery James Douglas (1990)
ManUp! Jill Costello and Leah Costello - mother and sister of David Costello (2004)
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