Men’s Health Week: Jarrod the Smiler

“The reason I wanted to talk about mental health and make more awareness about it is because my family has gone through their own struggles,” Jarrod said.

“My family has bonded together through mental health issues.

“It takes effect on everyone in your family and close ones that you dearly love.

“It does mean a lot to me that we need to have more awareness of mental health, whether it is for men, for women or for children.

“I don’t believe that there is enough support out there for mental health.”

Jarrod is happy to get his face out into the community and talk about mental health for the betterment of all.

“For me one of the best things about talking about it is my network of friends, it is to go away on a boys’ trip and have some banter,” he said.

“The camaraderie of friends helps, whether it’s playing golf together or just popping down to the pub to talk about what is going on in our lives, with families and kids.”

And he is taking his crew at Goodyear Autocare Echuca along with him.

“We, along with the Worklocker crew, are raising awareness of breast cancer,” he said.

“So we are going pink, and all wearing pink on Fridays.

“It is also about awareness around mental health, just saying to anyone that’s struggling that I am always here to have a chat, regardless of whether you come in for tyres or not.

“It’s not just about business and tyres.

“A friendly smile and a chat … it could be a chat about what’s going on in the real world and what’s happening.”

Jarrod knows that he is not equipped with the knowledge to help people going through mental health problems, but he does have a sympathetic ear willing to listen.

“I think, sometimes if you can talk to someone and even if it’s one or two per cent you can get off your chest, or be able to talk about your problems with your mates or even a counsellor, you might be better in the long run,” he said.

You can find Jarrod Thomas and that renowned smile at Goodyear Autocare Echuca located at 595 High St, Echuca.