What are we doing
The first Men’s Table (MT1) began in 2011 with twelve men who have met once a month for dinner ever since.
The Men's Table creates a unique environment for men to share openly about their lives, their challenges, their highs and lows with a group of men who they learn to trust and respect.
The Men's Table creates a sense of belonging, community, peer support and camaraderie that is lacking for many men, even for some who already have a group of mates.
Belonging to a Men's Table contributes to mental, emotional and social wellbeing whilst being a powerful support to individual members travelling their life journeys.
Each Mens Table is a distinct expression of the needs and personalities of its members, guided by the lessons learned through the experience of existing Men's Tables.
We are now helping new tables launch around Australia and Asia Pacific.
Men's Tables are initiated by two or more men who wish to form or join a new group, they commence with a regular monthly meeting and are capped at 12 members. Men making a long term commitment to their Table is a key feature of the experience, helping to act as a glue and build trust and camaraderie
Why are we doing this
As we have begun to build more tables and meet lots of wonderful men, we've heard their stories and seen common themes. Men have said to us
- "I'm lonely. I've got mates but we only talk about footy and shit"
- "I sit on the couch watching my wife arrange her social life. I just watch TV"
- "Since I retired, I've lost motivation. I just get in the way at home and feel lost"
Most men are reluctant to seek support
2018 Relationships Australia report found that…
- Men are more likely to experience loneliness than women
- 40% of single fathers report emotional loneliness and lack of social support
- Widowed men, and retirees, report high rates of loneliness
- Men experiencing financial stress are also more likely to be lonely
A lot of effort and money is put in at the crisis end of Mens Mental Health. This is important; the mens table works at the preventative end. The Men's Table puts peers before professionals, helping men before things get too tough.
Our Team
Ben Hughes and David Pointon are members of the founding Men's Table,
Ben and David are combining their respective 20 + years in business, their complimentary strengths, and our passion for Mens Wellbeing to grow the Mens Table. We have the support of our fellow founding Table members, and are already overwhelmed by the wonderful support being offered to help The Men's Table grow, including building our website, our promotional videos, graphic design, and much more.
As well, the men now sitting at the first 6 Tables to have kicked off are advocates, and bring tremendous strengths and experience into our growing community of contributors and advocates.
How you can help
We need to raise $ 20,000 to help us now incorporate as a Not for Profit with Charity status.
The money will help with 3 things;
- the legals and insurance,
- supporting the men at tables so they can evolve and grow together
- professional health care support for men at Tables who need extra support
For every $50 you donate, one more man can join a new Table,
$50 will help that man have a life of belonging through a trusted group of peers
Please give generously to help more men.