Central Coast Council, Central Coast Primary Health Network and the national men’s mental health and suicide prevention charity, The Men’s Table, are set to launch their fourth Central Coast table at Doyalson.
This builds on the three already established tables at Kincumber, Ourimbah and Bateau Bay.
The Doyalson Men’s Table first meeting, called an entrée, will take place on Wednesday, February 28, from 6.15pm-8.45pm at the Doylo.
Council Unit Manager of Community and Culture Glenn Cannard said men were invited to come along to the launch event, share a meal and a conversation and learn more about the program.
“The purpose of the men’s tables is to get men off the couch, into community, and talking with other men about whatever they need to share – the highs and the lows,” he said.
“Men do talk – and not just about footy.
“The entrée is an opportunity to meet other men, learn how a table works and decide whether you would like to be part of the monthly meetings.”
According to the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, one in five Australians aged 16-85 will experience a mental health disorder and the Central Coast has consistently had the highest number of deaths by suicide in Australia since 2016.
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Men’s Table program was a safe place for local men to come together to share and be heard in a confidential and non-judgemental environment, creating a sense of belonging, camaraderie and connection.
“By creating safe places for men to come together, show emotion and share feelings, we can break down stigmas associated to mental health,” he said.
The meeting will be held on February 28 at the Doyalson RSL Cub, 80 Pacific Hwy, Doyalson.
Visit the Men’s Table website to register.