CHAMPION boxer Jeff Horn dropped in to the Wynnum Manly Districts Men’s Shed for its World Mental Health Day Big Breakfast.
Horn addressed the group about his work as ambassador for Bullyproof, a group which educates young people how to manage conflict better.
Bullyproof is dedicated to bullying prevention and management, mental health improvement and fostering an ideal learning environment for academic performance.
The group aims to create a culture in Australian schools where teachers and students feel safe, respected, appreciated, liked and happy.
Horn said he became the National Ambassador for Bullyproof Australia because bullying and mental health were issues close to his heart.
“This is a fight we’re all in together and one we simply must win – the future of our kids depends on us,” he said.
Horn, nicknamed The Hornet, held the WBO welterweight title from 2017 to 2018 and represented Australia at the 2012 Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals.
Federal Member for Bonner Kara Cook, who was also at the breakfast, said role models like Horn and groups like the Men’s Shed were starting conversations about mental health which often went unsaid.
“Jeff is doing incredible work in building confidence, resilience and respect and making schools safer and kinder places for students,” she said.
“Men’s Sheds play a huge part in creating a sense of community and supporting mental health.”
“Our community had the opportunity to learn more about health and mental health and wellbeing services available, including the Cancer Council, Repair Café, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, and ‘It’s a Bloke Thing’ that are raising awareness of prostate cancer.”
