Whether it’s facing a health crisis like childhood cancer, living through a global pandemic, or simply being a man in his 40s, tackling the stereotype of the stoic male for the sake of men’s mental health is top of the agenda.

Sydney Swans partner and leading childhood cancer support organisation, Redkite, is breaking down the barriers between men and support, through Dads Connect, an informal online space for men dealing with the impacts of their child’s cancer.

Josh Kennedy, co-captain of the Sydney Swans and father of two, said it was hard to think that many dads found it tough to open up and reach out for the support on offer from Redkite.

For more than 20 years, the Swans have partnered with Redkite to raise awareness of the support on offer for families and he encouraged other dads not to struggle in silence.

“Let’s keep the conversation going about men speaking up and sharing their feelings, because it’s so, so important,” Kennedy said on the Byron Cooke Show.

In the latest episode of his podcast, Byron Cooke and his guests open up about why for the sake of their mental wellbeing, the greatest show of strength can be to ask for help and that there’s no time like the present for Australian men to reach out for help.

To listen to the episode, which included a chat with Swans co-captain Josh Kennedy who spoke about his support for Redkite, click here.

Redkite is Australia’s leading national children’s cancer support organisation. It provides families with the practical, financial and mental health support no matter where they live in Australia, at all stages of their child’s long and uncertain journey, both in hospital and at home. Redkite relies entirely on the generosity of the community and corporate Australia to provide this essential and practical family support. redkite.org.au

Earlier this year, the Swans also threw their support behind the Redkite’s crunch4kids challenge, showing their support to get fit and directly impact the lives of families facing childhood cancer.