The event is being held at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club as part of International Men’s Health Week.

John developed the ‘Mate Helping Mate’ program based on his own struggle with depression.

John knows what its like to hit rock bottom.

John crops around 550 hectares a year and purchases about 500 lambs and 100 heifers to sell, along with a small bus run.

“Originally, the wife of a neighbour confided in me that she was worried about her husband, who wasn’t getting out and socialising,” John said.

“I drove round and round the paddock thinking about how I could help my mate, and realised he wasn’t the only one suffering.

John says it is obvious to him that an individual’s mental wellbeing impacts on their relationships, their health, and their job or business.

“Like the chicken and the egg, it doesn’t matter which comes first. They are linked and can’t be separated.

The impact of the long drought on his mates and rural communities convinced John that the wider community needs to know about the importance of mental wellbeing, and the need to maintain this well being and avoid the slide into depression.

In 2006 John developed the self help community program, Mate Helping Mate, to raise awareness of mental well being in times of stress and anxiety.

“It’s not my program, it’s not mine to own,” he says.

“It’s basically mates helping mates, and that’s what we have to do when it’s tough.

“It’s about doing something positive with your mates and your community – and that’s all good for your own health.

St Vincent de Paul has produced a DVD on the Mate Helping Mate program. The DVD is free and copies will be available at Parkes Men’s Health Night, or by phoning 9560 8666.

John Harper will speak and answer questions at the Parkes Men’s Health Night this Wednesday (11 June).

The night begins with a sausage sizzle at 5.30pm, with speakers at 6pm, finishing in time for the State of Origin.

Everyone is welcome to this special International Men’s Health Week event – men, wives, partners, daughters and sons.

Men’s health affects everyone.