New Prostate Support Group Launched for Working Men in Western Australia

A new support group, 'Prostate Support Group for Working Men WA', has been established in Western Australia to specifically assist men in the workforce dealing with prostate health issues. Founded by Andrew Gray, a teacher and yoga instructor, the group aims to provide resources and a forum for discussion, addressing a gap in existing support services which have typically focused on retired individuals.

Group Establishment and Purpose

Andrew Gray, a prostate cancer survivor, founded the 'Prostate Support Group for Working Men WA' in late 2023. His personal journey, marked by challenges returning to work and managing continence issues during recovery, spurred the initiative to create a program tailored for working men.

Gray reported experiencing challenges returning to work and managing continence issues during his own recovery, which he stated prompted the initiative to create a program tailored for working men.

The group was established to address a perceived gap in existing support options, as many local groups were observed to cater primarily to retired individuals. Its core purpose is to provide tools for self-help and create a space for discussing challenges associated with prostate health and recovery, including the psychological impacts and issues related to returning to work.

Activities and Focus

The group offers a variety of activities designed to aid recovery and well-being:

• Gentle yoga
• Pelvic floor strengthening
• Light movement activities, such as pickleball

Gray noted that exercise and yoga significantly aided his personal recovery. Discussions within the group cover various aspects of recovery, including continence, intimacy, erectile dysfunction, exercise, and pelvic floor work. The group also facilitates the sharing of experiences and knowledge among attendees to identify relevant support resources.

Partnerships and Vision for Growth

The 'Prostate Support Group for Working Men WA' has held two sessions since its formation. It operates in collaboration with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), which has provided a grant for promotional materials. The PCFA further supports local groups by connecting them with specialist nurses, telenursing services, counseling, and peer support.

Future plans for the group include:

• Incorporating guest speakers
• Offering counseling services
• Expanding outreach through pop-up events at shopping centers, visits to local GP offices, urologists, and community spaces.

Gray emphasized the importance of early management for prostate issues, stating it can lead to improved outcomes. He plans to eventually broaden the group's scope to include all individuals seeking information about prostate issues, not exclusively cancer survivors. The ultimate goal is to enhance fitness and preparedness for potential prostate health journeys.

He plans to eventually broaden the group's scope to include all individuals seeking information about prostate issues, not exclusively cancer survivors, with the goal of enhancing fitness and preparedness for potential prostate health journeys.

Session Information

Sessions are conducted on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Canning Vale College. The next scheduled session is April 8.