A conversation can truly change a life and that is exactly what The Men’s Table is doing. Bringing men together across Australia to chat, or simply to listen to their fellow men about what they might be going through, the good and the bad.
The first Men’s Table (MT1) began in 2011 with 12 men who have met once a month for dinner ever since. Fast forward to 2025 and there are now 220 Men’s Tables nationwide.
We know the statistics of the state of men’s mental health are heart wrenching. In 2024, 55 per cent of men had reported having a lived experience of suicide.
The biggest life factor impacting negatively on men’s mental health is having no life purpose, meaning or direction and 26 per cent of men struggle due to a family or relationship breakdown. Other factors include employment insecurity, financial hardship, and grief and stress from global issues.
The Men’s Table creates a safe space for men to openly share about those highs and lows with a group of men they learn to know, like and trust.
Dave Robinson is one of the regional hosts of The Men’s Table and joined about three years ago.
“It’s so good to see the fundamentals of The Men’s Table at work; one man speaking at a time, confidentiality, building trust, it works so well with a bunch of strangers. They have decent conversations and talk about what is really going on without looking for it to be fixed.
“There are so many examples of the difference it has made. We had one guy join who had recently attempted suicide and was saved just in time. He was initially reluctant to share, but after a while he felt safe to share his story and to see this guy and how he is now, and his mental health compared to when he joined is incredible.
“He still has his struggles, but there has been a huge improvement.”
The Men’s Table is one of the many organisations in the regions helping men through the toughest times in their lives.
Working in the mining industry, doing long hours and usually shift work, with a family at home adds a whole other level to the state of men’s mental health.
Dads in Distress is focused on supporting Dads who are experiencing trauma through family breakdown or separation anxiety.
Mark Holland has worked in the underground coal mining industry for 27 years. All men agree working underground is challenging but wonderful because of the comradery you have with your crew.
Mark wanted to help people who don’t have that find it.
“Dads in Distress is a safe space for men to come and find support. Every man is in a different situation, but we are there for them no matter what.
“Shiftwork is demanding on its own, but on top of that you add in finishing your long shift and going home to spend time with your kids and be present and then go through the heartache of perhaps not seeing them for another week.
“It’s challenging, and we’re here to support the guys going through that.”
From a clinical perspective, Terrie-Ann from Perfect Sense Counselling said having options for men to find support makes a huge difference.
“These groups may help support someone before they need to come and see us, or it’s adding on to the care we are already giving someone. It’s invaluable,” said Terrie-Ann.
“The Men’s Table is for all men, not just someone having a bad time. Sooner or later there will be a bend in the road so having those pre-existing connections will help. It also helps keep you in a positive mindset as much as possible,” said Dave.
“I have seen so many guys change and lighten their load, I would encourage anyone and everyone to come along to a Men’s Table in their area.”
| The Men’s Table is looking to start a Singleton Men’s Table. They are hosting an Entrée Dinner Event on 19th February at The Albion Hotel. Register here: https://themenstable.org/singletonentree-wed19feb/ |
| Find out more The Men’s Table: www.themenstable.org Dads in Distress: www.dids.org.au Call: 1300 853 437 for support Mr Perfect: www.mrperfect.org.au |
