The Western Bulldogs’ Sons of the West program will be make its presence felt next week, with five days of activities at Watergardens town centre.

Kicking off on January 30, the program tackles the physical and mental health challenges of men in the West by promoting healthy lifestyles and giving participants the chance to get up close with Bulldogs’ celebrities.

Western Bulldogs community health partnerships officer Alyssa Huxtable said Sons of the West was an important cog in the club’s community outreach machine.

“The Western Bulldogs recognises the role it plays in unifying the community, and its ability to reach people,” Ms Huxtable said.

“Sons of the West harnesses the power of sport to promote key health messages. Men living in the west have some of the worst health statistics in all Victoria … we want to do our part in helping to reduce this,” she said, adding that the program has grown consistently, from 95 participants in its first year to close to 1200 participants last year.

“We are very proud of how quickly the Sons of the West messages are spreading,” Ms Huxtable said.

The January 30 session will feature a panel discussion and Sons of the West documentary screening from 6pm at Hoyts cinema, while on Wednesday, February 1, participants can learn about healthy diets from the SOTW dietician.

Other events take place next Thursday and Friday, before a massive Saturday that includes a demonstration from award-winning chef Shane Delia, and a chance to meet Bulldogs’ legend Doug Hawkins.