A safe space for men to talk

A national grassroots not-for-profit group, The Men’s Table, is working to overcome the stigma that “men don’t talk” by creating a place for men to connect with other men, get stuff off their chest and talk about the highs and lows of their lives.

Many men will have a bit of banter or a chat about the footy, but a Men’s Table is all about having a place where men can talk about real stuff and how they feel about it.

“We’ve had discussions with locals who felt it would be great to start a Table in Narrabri,” said NSW regional host Anthony Garnham.

“We’re all mindful that towns further away from the big cities are challenged with support services, and social isolation is unfortunately on the rise among Australian men in regional areas.”

A Men’s Table has anywhere between 8 and 12 men who meet once a month in the same place, at the same time, over a cheap meal for a couple of hours to talk and listen.

There’s no fees, men just pay for their meal once a month, and the bonds of friendship and connection build naturally over time.

“It’s all about connection,” Anthony said. “Men’s health and wellbeing is a real priority and we provide one avenue to support men with this peer-to-peer initiative.

“We’ve started over 100 Tables across the country and men come for all sorts of reasons – some are new to town and keen to widen their social circle, some are having a rough time and need a place to be able to talk without judgement.

“It can be really helpful to hear other men are going through similar things too.”

An information night – an Entree – will be held on Wednesday, July 5 between 6pm and 8.30pm at the Tourist Hotel.

“It’s a casual meal, a chance to meet other interested local men and learn how a Table works,” Anthony said.

“Then men can decide if they’re keen to be a part of a local Table or not. It’s a community run thing – we provide support and guidelines, but the guys at the Table are the ones in charge, which is really important.”

Bookings are essential as seats are limited. Visit www.themenstable.org/narrabri for more details and to register.