The Lifeline Central West ‘Boys Day Out’ race meeting is being held at the local turf club on May 6.

The first of its kind, the day will encourage people to talk about and recognise men’s mental health issues, including depression and suicide.

Central west Lifeline executive director Alex Ferguson hopes the day encourages men to talk about any issues they may be going through.

“We’re trying to do a culture change (with men)… they’re not bullet proof,” he said.

“And if they’ve got a problem they should talk.”

Mr Ferguson said as well as Lifeline, the event is being supported by the Black Dog Ride, the Blue Elephant program for Rugby Union, Group 11 Rugby league and Racing Mates. 

“It’s great that people can get together for a fun day and talk about men’s mental health, domestic violence and other relates issues..,” he said.

Mr Ferguson hopes all men within the community, plus local male associated Clubs and women will attend.

“Come along and have a cracking day out. The weather should be beautiful and women are very much allowed,” he said.

Mr Ferguson said men don’t often put their hand up for help, but he hopes the race day changes that.

“If you’ve got a problem put your hand up,” he said.

“I like to think the turf club and Lifeline are taking the lead with the other organisations to start a conversation, because once the conversation is started it will never finish.”

General entry into the race meeting is $10 and a concessional ticket is $5.

There will also be a Racing Mates Morning Tea ‘Get-Together’ on May, 7, at the Dubbo track.

Racing Mates is a peer-support initiative established by Racing NSW in 2016, which aims to empower mates to look out for mates.

The Dubbo morning tea will be held from 10am to coincide with the Lifeline Central West Boys Day Out.

For more information visit www.racingmates.com.au. If you or someone you know need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.