The Men's Table movement
Men across Australia are discovering that many things in life can be helped by dining with a group of strangers.
This concept is the heart and soul of non-profit The Men’s Table, which invites men to monthly meetings over a meal.
During these meetings, otherwise known as men’s tables, sharing your experience is completely optional until one is comfortable doing so.
There are no fees involved and participants only pay for whatever they eat or drink that night to the establishment.
In a bid to create a welcoming and safe atmosphere for all, there are a few guidelines that are implemented by volunteers such as Andrew McKee, who launched the first Men’s Table in Queensland and most recently, the first City of Logan table in Logan Central in May.
‘Speak about what is real and current in your life, use “I feel” statements, no interrupting and no fixing problems, no politics or religion,’ he says.
‘Be mindful of sharing the time equitably, 9 other guys want their time to share too.
‘Mental health is so important and these tables help men live happier and more fulfilling lives because what is shared at a men’s table is confidential and you have a safe place to share in.’
For the past year at the Diggers Services Club in Logan Central, the Logan Men’s Table has offered a form of emotional release that men sometimes struggle to find with their friends and partners.
In Andrew’s experience, women often encourage the men in their lives to join.
‘It benefits not only the men in their lives, but has a ripple effect into families, homes, workplaces and communities,’ Andrew says.
Understandably, many initially find it daunting to disclose their innermost thoughts to a group of strangers.
And yet, Andrew says most participants end up sharing freely once they feel confident and safe within the group.
‘This can take as long as you wish, you will never be pressured to share,’ he says.
Andrew has repeatedly experienced how attending a table – and gaining a new emotional support network – benefits attendees.
‘I’ve seen people make positive life-changing decisions at the table and it’s not from people pushing things onto others,’ he says.
‘The Men’s Table isn’t about finding a new best friend, but more about finding people like you who want a more meaningful time.
‘As others share about their own lives, I listen intently, I relate to them, empathise with them, laugh with them and at times realise I could be doing more of the good things they are doing.’
The formula is obviously working, with the last 2 years seeing one table in Queensland becoming 11 that now meet regularly.
‘More than 200 tables meet monthly in Australia, which means there are 2,500 or so men doing some very beneficial mental health work for free,’ Andrew says.
‘That positively affects 2,500 families, 2,500 homes and 2,500 workplaces.’
The next Men’s Table event will be held on 4 February, 2025 – to join, please contact Wayne Krueger on 0484 332 974 or via email.
Learn more about The Men’s Table.
