A pillar of strength  

Men are seen as stronger, physically and mentally than women. So much professional research and literature has been devoted to the development of social work interventions to empower women and meet their needs.

Rigid stereotypes of masculinity mean we need to address harmful forms of masculinity, as well as engage men and boys in gender equality. 

A gender equal society benefits everyone. It makes our communities safer, healthier and more connected.

Meet Paul

Paul is no stranger to gender stereotypes. A few years ago, Paul his partner and their two kids were living a comfortable life in Perth, he had a well-paying and fulfilling Government job, a great family life.

Just over a year ago, Paul noticed a change in behaviour of his partner which he eventually found out was drug related. For the safety and wellbeing of his children he fled Perth, leaving behind his job and starting fresh with his kids in Karratha, where is opened up his own small business. 

For a while everything was fine until his ex-partner located him and the kids and caused all sorts of issues, meaning Paul and the kids had to once again take-off and find a safe haven. In the meantime, Paul found himself fighting in courts for the rights to gain sole custody of his kids and was treated sub-standardly at best. He said he had to jump through so many hoops to be heard and given the right to do what was in his children’s best interests. He says he felt completely alienated.

Now living in Geraldton, Paul says “during the legal challenges I found that men were not treated the same way as women who are viewed in a ‘softer’ light so the whole process is angled towards women, not set up for men.”

“It’s a great community here, but I don’t have support network I would back in Perth and it was hard to reach out for help. This is the first time I haven’t been employed in my life.”

“Foodbank has been a lifesaver, trying to find new work and paying for childcare is challenging and expensive – at Foodbank I can get a whole trolley of food for $80. I don’t know how I would support myself and my kids otherwise. My kids are safe and happy and not living on rations anymore. Going into the branch has been like walking into another family.”

Meet David

David from Kalgoorlie agrees that it’s much harder for men to reach out for help. He faced what seemed like insurmountable obstacles when fighting for custody of his kids. He found that even applying for housing assistance as a man was more difficult – he was told that men are not a priority, women and children are, which led to him and his kids living in a tent for 4 months.

There are services and grants that he can’t access such as Occupational Therapy for his children because the funding is issued through a Women’s Health service for which means he is not eligible – meaning his kids miss out.

There was no judgement when David came to Foodbank after being persuaded by a friend who also happens to volunteer at the Kalgoorlie branch.

“It allows me to afford the basics for my family, including toiletries for my daughter. The frozen meals especially have been helpful, both kids have massive trauma so there are days I’m so exhausted from being up all night the night before, and it’s a meal ready to go.  It’s a well-rounded nutritious meal. Foodbank eases the burden massively.” 

In Australia, Men’s Health Week provides a platform for challenging and debating key issues in men’s health and to raise the profile of men – the strengths of men, the contributions they make, and the important roles they play in society.

So lets celebrate all of the wonderful men in our lives from partners to friends to coworkers, to relatives, and encourage them to feel safe to reach out for help when they need to. 

Finding strength in giving back

“Admitting you need help is the hardest thing,” Jane shares. “It takes someone brave to speak up. For a long time, I didn’t and it just got worse and worse. The bills kept coming and I ended up in a bad financial situation.”

What should have been a simple procedure went horribly wrong when Jane contracted a staph infection that spread to her eyes. The permanent double vision stole her career and made even basic tasks a challenge. “I had to relearn how to walk, how to do everyday things,” she shares. “Just getting by is exhausting.”

Between caring for her husband, raising four children, and fighting her own health battle, returning to work was out of the question. “I used to lead a company, managing engineers and chemists. Going from that to relying on a food bank was devastating. But I have to provide a roof over my children’s heads.”

A high-achieving businesswoman forced out of work, Jane felt lost. So, she found purpose in giving back. Volunteering at a local sports club, she saw kids priced out of participating. “No one should miss out,” she declared. She went on to implement a payment plan system to ensure every child could play.

“While I can’t work anymore,” she explains, her eyes holding quiet determination, “I can still make a difference. It’s my way of giving back to the community while I care for my husband.”

Jane’s story is more than hardship. It’s about resilience and discovering purpose in unexpected places. Her bravery reminds us that everyone has the power to make a positive impact. Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply offering a helping hand, together we can build a community where no one faces hardship or hunger alone.

“We found ourselves in a perilous position of not meeting our bills, let alone putting food on the table,” Leah said.

Juggling finances was a tightrope Leah already walked with practiced steps. Caring for her two sons, the household budget, like many around the state, was always a balancing act. Add constant medical bills to support her son with level two autism and a chronic illness, and Leah was running out of options.

“I suddenly became acutely aware of the price of food and how easily those prices can bring on anxiety attacks,” she said.

Asking for help was daunting but a kind stranger’s words pointed her towards Foodbank WA.

“I was full of pride that I could fend for myself,” said Leah. “A lovely person heard my ideas and said, we are all individuals and not to compare. If I needed help, just reach out. So I did, and I have no regrets. My family are no longer suffering in silence and I appreciate every week that I can go to Foodbank.”

The weekly hampers weren’t just food; they were survival kits:

“I now stop missing meals in order to feed my family. I have a vehicle that is registered because I had money to pay the registration so my husband can be taken to rehabilitation and my son to Fiona Stanley Hospital for appointments. Without accessing Foodbank, I would be unable to put food on the table or to pay my other utilities.”

Leah’s story is a powerful reminder that vulnerability is not weakness but a pathway to hope. The next time you see a Mobile Foodbank or hear about a local food drive, remember Leah. Remember the quiet victories made possible by the kindness of strangers.

Every day we help families like Leah’s.

Your generous donation can help ensure we continue support families across Western Australia.