Real Men’s Health is showcasing excellence in men’s health programs through our Men’s Health Program Series.
In each article, we will ask 5 questions of a featured program organiser to gain insight into what they do and their thoughts on men’s health today.
In this article, we speak with counsellor Greg J Boerma from Beards Of Hope (an awareness and fundraising initiative from Bears Of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support)
Q1: Could you please describe your role within the organisation/program?
My roles are the offering of support to men and women who have been through the loss of their baby/ babies through counselling individuals/ couples, facilitating online wellbeing groups, bereaved dads support and support weekend camps, hospital presentations, therapeutic hand drumming and photography workshops, as a guest speaker at various events such as podcasts, Remembrance Day keynote speaker, as well as various other programs from time to time.
Q2: Could you please describe what your organisation/program does?
Beards Of Hope is a fundraising and awareness campaign. it’s a symbol of solidarity, support and hope. By growing a beard, participants not only raise awareness but also vital funds to help dads and their families feel supported after the loss a baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal or infant loss.
Funds raised from this campaign go directly back to Bears Of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support. Bears Of Hope is an Australian charity providing leading support and exceptional care for families navigating the heartbreaking journey of baby loss.
Q3: What are the biggest changes you have observed within the men’s health space over the past 5-years?
Greater recognition within the broader community that it is a couple that experience the loss of their baby(ies). Also, that the grieving process is both an individual and combined process and can involve others including family members, friends, and work colleagues.
Men are starting to feel more able to be vulnerable and express themselves amongst the stigma associated with male emotions. We still have a long way to go. More individual professionals, groups, media presenters et al are having conversations and programs around the impacts of pregnancy and infant loss on males and how it affects their lives.
Beards Of Hope has been a way for bereaved dads to open up and share their story in their own way.
Q4: If hypothetically, the Government offered you an unrestricted $1M grant tomorrow, what one project would you spend it all on?
We would expand our dads’ sports and support weekends and have one in every state. From our experience when a loss has occurred, everyone is always checking in on mum. Our goal is to provide support to the often-forgotten dads and create a safe space for them to receive support.
Q5: Do you have a favourite sports team, when & why did you start supporting them?
Hawkesbury Jets AFC. The Beards of Hope campaign started in 2014 with the Hawkesbury Jets AFC (formerly known as the Nor-West Jets). They came to us with the idea that over the winter they would grow a beard and fundraise.
It has grown to be more than just a fundraiser; it has become an important advocacy and support service for bereaved dads with many signing up each year.
Thank you for sharing with Real Men’s Health
