If one is the Program Coordinator of a Mission, does that make him a Missionary? If yes, what is your mental image of a Missionary? Whatever it is, it could hardly be this quietly spoken gentleman, a man so highly dedicated to his work. Glen Wallwork initially worked as a croupier, where he saw the dark side of gambling and decided to change tacks. He studied psychology, then continued to complete a Masters Degree in Suicidology.
What is Marcus Mission? Some 7 years ago Marcus Roberts, a man just 23 years old, took his own life while battling with depression. Marcus’ case is certainly not unique: The cold statistics are stark and terrible: in 2019 (last official statistics available on ABS.gov.au), over 3300 people in Australia chose to end their own life. [The government uses the euphemism ‘Intentional Self Harm’… Ed.] That is almost three times the death toll from traffic accidents! It is higher that any other non-illness related cause of death. Three out of four are men. In Queensland alone, on average 11 men suicide every week.
Marcus Roberts’ devastated parents decided to actively do something about this terrible scourge and instigated the setting up of Marcus Mission in his name, within the Wesley Mission Queensland organisation. Its purpose is not counselling by professional psychiatrists and psychologists, but to provide “every day” people, mentors who are prepared to work with men experiencing challenging life events. Often, this can be more productive than an “official” session with a professional since it is totally relaxed. They simply can talk one-on-one. Potential Marcus Mission ‘MENtors’ receive free training in Resilience Building and Suicide Prevention. Over the past two years, branches have been set up on the Gold Coast and 5 other regional towns in the South-East of Queensland, including Bundaberg. In 2020, over 70 workshops have been provided to over 300 men.
Glen’s PowerPoint is on the Download Section on the right side, and of course their website has all the details. On a footnote: Our Project Shed recently commenced a cooperative project with Wesley Mission. More to follow in next week’s bulletin.