CLERMONT pharmacist, Grant Oswald, has taken home the Guardian Community Engagement Award in acknowledgement of his efforts to raise awareness for men's mental health.
Oswald, Clermont's sole pharmacist, first started the 'Jugs 'n' Jocks' program after seeing how his wife and her friends candidly approached mental health topics.
Held annually, the 'Jugs 'n' Jocks' program encourages local men to come together to discuss mental health issues and to learn firsthand from guest speakers covering topics such as mental health strategies, finances, and relationships.
The program has since grown to encompass over 100 attendees, and even expanded to include a mental health project at two local primary schools within the Clermont region.
Oswald said: "It's a get together for blokes to come have a chat and check up on each other.
"I think blokes are starting to realise that we can ask for help and there shouldn't be a stigma around men and their emotions.
"We've recently sponsored a mental health resilience project for two of Clermont's primary schools, and we hope this is something that can help break down barriers in the future, and over time, help us all to open up," he added.
To achieve such a success, Oswald shares that the Clermont team's family mentality and incredible attitude is key.
"We couldn't be where we are without our incredible team, so their help is paramount.
"It's really humbling to be recognised as Guardian Pharmacy of the Year for Community Engagement, especially due to the last couple years being a tough time for many.
"Being recognised on a national scale truly means a lot."
The award comes as Guardian Pharmacy recently announced its pharmacies around Australia are being invited to integrate into the Amcal brand, which is designed to ensure a more sustainable pharmacy structure under a single, competitive brand offering.
Pictured: Guardian state manager Jess Cranston, Grant Oswald, and business development manager Rachael Chandler with Oswald's community award.
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