One of our Facilitators cooks up the food on the public BBQ and warmly greets everyone, casually introducing people to each other.
The attendance can be anything from 4 people to 15 on a busy day.
We sometimes kick a football around or play bowls or just sit / stand in the sun or shade and chat in the open park space.
Conversation can range from our jobs, families, hobbies or interests and no-one has to say anything if they wish, just enjoy the food and sun.
The background in age is from 25 right up to 60, from all walks of life, race and confidence. Some men even bring their children or partners or dogs (I love the idea that one day I will bring my son again when he can understand why we are there and it be considered "normal").
It is not a men’s group, we do not stand or sit in a circle and it is not an AA-meeting eg. I would not get up and say “Hi I’m Terry and I have depression, anxiety and PTSD.”
If it feels natural some will share their stories and when Terry attends he often tells his in casual conversation. Generally this can lead to a hugely trusting space.
Some incredibly deep, real and powerful but relaxed discussions have come out of our Meetups and friendships formed. As well as many laughs too.
Finally anything discussed is completely confidential and non-clinical.
If you are keen to come along click here for a map of our Meetups currently running across Australia.
Thank you so much John Harradine for the incredible words – it is what keeps us going.
Good on you for this initiative. We need more initiatives like this one and men like yourself willing to be vulnerable. When we can do that we are truly strong, quite the opposite to what our scripting suggests. I will take the time to to think about this for my clients. Cheers. John
Hi al – no need to bring anything, just yourselves (and perhaps if you have special dietary requirements then maybe bring something just in case!) – cheers!
Do we need to bring our own meat bread etc
What a great idea . I will recommend this to my clients ! counsellor sianpryce.com.au
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