National men’s mental health and suicide prevention charity, The Men’s Table, has reached a huge milestone, launching its 150th Table in Inverell, NSW.
Working closely with the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN), The Men’s Table have established Tables in Armidale, Glen Innes, Tamworth, Central Coast, Narrabri and Newcastle.
They have plans to launch more in Taree, Forster, Scone, Hallidays Point, Muswellbrook, Tenterfield and Gunnedah.
HNECC PHN Chief Executive Officer, Richard Nankervis said this initiative allows them to help create a community of mateship and lifelong friendship.
“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,” Richard said.
“The PHN is proud to be supporting this valuable and life-saving initiative.
“We encourage all men who want to expand their social circle and enjoy deeper conversations, to come and sit at a Table.”
The Men’s Table Regional Host, Anthony Garnham says it’s a credit to this group of men who have shown commitment to each other and their community to work at building this Table over time.
“Their first meeting was in November 2022 and their care for the men at their Table is very strong,” Anthony said.
“Building Tables in small towns is not easy and we’re thrilled they now have enough men regularly attending to claim their Table as MT150.”
With Tables in all states and territories except Northern Territory, The Men’s Table has been helping men in communities across the country to strengthen connection and conversation, along the way improving men’s mental and emotional wellbeing, reducing loneliness and social isolation, and busting the myth that ‘men don’t talk.’
Their 2022 impact study from surveying men attending the Tables reported a wealth of benefits including community belonging, improved mental health and wellbeing, a reduction in less useful approaches to help-seeking and a positive effect on relationships beyond their Tables.
IMAGE | One of the Men’s Table community groups.
