A MENTAL health initiative for men, The Men’s Table, is holding its first ever event in Broken Hill.
The event on Tuesday, February 4, is an introduction, or ‘entree’ event, to entice men in the region to join the group and gauge interest in the program.
The Men’s Table is an Australia-wide not-for-profit charity initiative aiming to provide a safe place for men to discuss the highs and lows of life in a confidential space.
“We don’t just talk about footy and sh**” is the program’s motto, aiming to encourage men to open up beyond small talk and break down toxic masculinity barriers.
Each table is between 8-12 men to encourage a small close-knit environment.
Men’s Table NSW Western region host Al Stratton said talking beyond banter could be hard for many men.
“This can be really hard for some blokes as they are used to playing their cards close to their chest and not letting anyone see the real them for fear of being judged or shamed,” he said.
“At the Men’s Table we have a set of simple guidelines called ‘The Fundamentals’, one of which is safe and confidential, which talks about keeping it in the vault.
“This simply means that the stories you hear at the table are not yours to share and must be kept confidential to build the trust of the table and grow together.”
Mr Stratton said that many men understood the importance of looking after their physical health but focused less on emotional health.
“As men, many of us understand the need to look after our physical health, if we hurt our back or get the flu, we know that we need to slow down, rest and possibly get some medical assistance,” Mr Stratton said.
“The same principle can be said for our mental and emotional health, which is just as important.
“We need to seek support, connection and do things that make us feel good.
“Being part of a group of supportive and caring men, who listen and care about what is going on for you, is what is known by psychologist as a ‘protective factor’.
“Basically it’s like an insurance policy for your mental and emotional health, by connecting and being part of a group of men that care for you, it protects your mental and emotional health.”
Mr Stratton said that a lot of men were lonely and felt as if they didn’t have mental support.
“Unfortunately, in Australia one in four men say that they have no one to talk to about their worries or concerns,” he said.
“This is can lead to a deep sense of loneliness and disconnection.
“I believe that in regional and remote Australia and in places like Broken Hill, loneliness is a real issue for men, particularly when they’re busy on stations, mines etc, having financial stress, and looking after a family.
“Many blokes find that they no longer have time to invest in their friendships.
“The Men’s Table is trying to turn this around, one table at a time.”
Broken Hill’s Men’s Table Entrée will be held on Tuesday, February 4, at the Broken Hill Pub at 6.30pm for a 7pm start, finishing around 9pm.
To RSVP, go to https://themenstable.org/entree-nsw/
