The Men’s Table celebrates milestone of 100 Tables

The Men’s Table, a male-focused mental health and social and emotional wellbeing support group, held a celebratory event in March to recognise the formation of its 100^th Table.

The ExciTABLE event brought The Men’s Table supporters together to celebrate the men who sit at the Tables and the funders who have helped support this nationally growing organisation, reflecting on the impact sitting at the Table has had on these men and those around them.

During the event, sobering statistics were highlighted about depression, anxiety and suicide and how solid structured support systems can reduce suicide.

The first table began in 2011 as an informal group of a dozen men gathering for dinner once a month to talk openly about the highs and lows of their lives.

In 2019, co-founders Ben Hughes and David Pointon began to wonder if the benefits they saw from this monthly meal would interest other men around Australia. The Men’s Table was born - a grassroots not-for-profit community providing peer-to-peer support and creating trusted, confidential places where men can share and navigate what’s really going on for them.

The Men’s Table co-founder Ben Hughes says, “The old saying that men don’t talk simply isn’t true. Men do talk about what is really going on, but it’s got to be in the right place. Our annual survey of men at Tables tells us that men are actively looking for opportunities to connect with other men. Some men want to improve their sense of connection and make new friendships. Others are facing life transitions such as moving into a new community, experiencing a change in work life, or having family dynamics or relationship changes. These stressors that we all face at some point in life are more easily borne when we have a regular, trusted place with guys around us who know how to listen and not fix.”

Co-founder David Pointon has shared positive results from The Men’s Table, reporting, “Men report feeling a sense of belonging and connection; feeling safe to share feelings and be vulnerable; using healthier approaches to seeking help when they need it - talking and sharing as opposed to bottling it up or turning to substances to cope and feeling their mental health and wellbeing has improved.”

David highlights the positive influence The Men’s Table can have on relationships.

“Importantly, 81% of men surveyed also report a positive effect on their relationships beyond their Tables. We’re seeing a ripple effect into relationships, families and communities, which is just fantastic,” says David Pointon.

Since the 100^th Table was launched in Coburg, Victoria in early 2023, 18 Tables have been formed in regional and metro areas in six of the seven states and territories.

“Our goal is to have a Table in every town,” adds Ben.

“It’s never been more important to belong to a community.”