Support: The Men’s Table discussions go deeper than beers and footy.
Boys will be boys freed from outdated masculine norms at the Men’s Table.
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By taking the shame out of sharing, the Men’s Table has been changing lives across the nation and the next stop is the Terminus Hotel in Shepparton on Tuesday, February 21.
The concept of the Men’s Table is simple but effective: men openly sharing over a relaxed and conversational dinner with other men.
Melbourne and regional Victoria host Dan Ball said there are 97 tables across the country and it was time Shepparton reaped the rewards of the support group.
“As men, we’re sh*t at talking and conditioned not to open up, and we can be better at that,” he said.
“Men’s Table allows men to feel comfortable with talking and finding the right words to express themselves.”
Following the initial entrée event, men could pick a time to schedule their table in a way that even the most unorganised of males won’t forget, such as the first Tuesday of every month.
Nothing is off the table and Mr Ball wanted to acknowledge that it’s not a monthly report.
“It’s what you’re feeling about things that have happened or are currently happening; divorces, grief, new kids, relationships, marriages.
“It’s not just the lows or tough stuff life sends our way, it’s sharing the good as well, life’s wins and how we feel about them.”
Respectful: ‘No man speaks twice before one man speaks once’.
Since its inception in 2011, the Men’s Table has been appointed by the National Mental Health Commission on several occasions to survey the mental health of participants.
“We’ve found that Men’s Table improves mental health in terms of developing the ability to articulate feelings and navigate relationships outside Men’s Table,” he said.
“Men feel more comfortable talking at the table, then feel more comfortable talking to their partner, children, family and friends.”
Mr Ball said the number of tables and reports showed that Men’s Table’s work and Shepparton locals should take advantage of the opportunity.
A chance for men to foster healthier lives for themselves and their relationships?
That’s pretty manly.
The Men’s Table is a free event, with a meal and drinks the only expense.
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