Men’s Table offers mateship, support

A new social gathering in Eurobodalla is offering a safe space for blokes to share a meal and the highs and lows of life with a group of mates.

An initiative of national organisation The Men’s Table, the monthly get togethers create a unique environment in which men can openly share about their lives and its challenges with others whom they can come to trust and respect.

The initial local Men’s Table was held in partnership with Eurobodalla Council as part of its bushfire recovery work and is funded by Resilience NSW.

Eurobodalla Council’s community recovery officer Linda Wilton said in November 2021 that the group could help provide a sense of belonging, peer support and camaraderie that is often lacking for many men, even those who may already have a group of friends.

“We know that men are more likely to experience loneliness than women, and that men are reluctant to seek support,” she said.

“We’re glad to be able to support The Men’s Table to help it get established in our area.

“Relationships are key to resilience and thriving. The Men’s Table works to improve men’s mental health, by helping men build meaningful male friendships and community belonging as safe places to share, overcoming the stigma that men don’t talk.”

The first Men’s Table in Eurobodalla was held at the Bodalla Arms Hotel on Wednesday 8 December, from 6.30-9pm. Men's Table south coast regional co-host Michael Collins has been working behind the scenes to assess if there is enough interest in the Eurobodalla for Men's Table to launch a Table in Batemans Bay.

For more information or to express interest in joining, contact Michael Collins on 0450 612 358 or michael.collins@themenstable.org.