Staff of its newly-established Alcohol and other Drugs (AoD) program are collaborating with Robinson College in Broken Hill in offering members of the Menindee Men’s Shed the chance to build new skills and job prospects.

A 13-week pilot training program got under way this week with participants seeking to get a white card through courses ranging from first aid through to welding.

“The men will be working towards a statement of attainment or a certificate through funding provided by the NSW Department of Industry under Robinson College’s community services obligation,” its chief executive officer Tracey Dodimead said.

“If the pilot is successful, it could be rolled out to Broken Hill and other men’s sheds in the near future.”

AoD staff member Gavin Drake said “working in the mental health space isn’t just about solving problems”.

“It’s also about prevention and proactive intervention that stops people sliding into a hole by encouraging them to take positive steps to look after themselves and reinforcing their sense of purpose,” he said.

RFDS SE mental health nurse Vanessa Latham reports that in the last quarter “less than a third of our mental health clients were men”.

“Men are two-to-three times more likely to have substance or alcohol abuse issues, but are harder to reach and more reluctant to seek help,” she said.

Ms Latham said community projects integrated awareness and important messages into fun activities.

“We’re hoping that these indirect approaches might encourage more people, especially men, to get in touch,” she said.