St Kilda Life Saving Club hosts men's health and wellness organisation WNOW

The City of Port Phillip has spotlighted the hosting of men's health and wellness organisation WNOW (When No One's Watching) at the St Kilda Life Saving Club.

WNOW is a not-for-profit organisation working to improve men's health through connection, mateship and community.

Last month WNOW ran a successful Sunrise Session at the St KLSC Clubhouse and Beach. WNOW was also the charity partner for the British-Irish Lions Rugby Team tour and several members took a break to join in.

Andrew Kegele, who runs the Camberwell chapter, is keen for WNOW to start holding meetings at the St Kilda Life Saving Club (St KLSC) and advised "we aim to reduce isolation, normalise open conversations about life's challenges and inspire men to take action for themselves and those around them.

"We have a Middle Park chapter and would love to also offer free meetings at iconic St Kilda Beach."

Each chapter has the same format - participants meet every Wednesday morning for some exercise, share stories in a circle of trust, do a round of 60 push ups to recognise the 60 men that take their lives every 60 minutes around the world, and then connect socially over a coffee.

Kegele shared "we've found this really helps men open up. Some find it difficult to talk and this is a great way for them to connect in a safe, welcoming space.

"We also partner with workplaces, sports clubs and community organisations to deliver workshops on wellbeing, purpose, social connection and resilience, helping men strengthen both their own lives and the communities they're part of."

Co-founder David Eccles ran the session at the St Kilda Life Saving Club. WNOW was started by Dave and Tadhg Kennelly (former Sydney Swans Premiership Player) in 2020.

St KLSC provided its clubroom and several patrolling members to assist on the day.

During the event, more than 70 men came together to exercise, including a quick dip in the water.

Kegele added "as a group, we completed 60 push-ups to remind us of the 60 men who take their own lives every hour somewhere in the world. We also listened to Rugby legends - leuan Evans, Gavin Hastings, Simon Zebo and Tommy Bowe - discuss some of the challenges they have faced and the importance of support when dealing with mental health challenges.”

The City of Port Phillip  will be meeting with WNOW and St KLSC to discuss the plans for a St Kilda chapter as it involves access to public space.

St KLSC Secretary Ingrid Magtengaard said the Club was delighted to assist with the Sunrise Session and is excited about further collaborating with WNOW about establishing meetings advising "we are both volunteer-driven organisations which put community well-being at the heart of everything we do," she said. "It's about providing welcoming, inclusive spaces which keep our community safe."

Image. St Kilda WNOW and British-Irish Lions Rugby tour Sunrise Session Credit: City of Port Phillip