It can be difficult for men to find a space to talk about the things that matter most, relationships, children, work, finances and the general highs and lows of life. So, in 2011 a group of 12 men started meeting once a month for dinner forming The Men’s Table which has now grown to include 128 Tables across Australia. The Tables provide a welcoming space where men can share about their lives, their challenges and their wins with a group of men that they know and trust.
The Men’s Table is providing an Entree (an introduction to The Men’s Table) at the Cumberland Hotel, in a private room, on Monday 19 June at 6.30 pm. There is no cost to join, just pay for your meal and drinks and find out if The Men’s Table is for you.
The Entree event is a chance to meet other men and to learn how a Table works while enjoying a meal. The Entrees are hosted by long-standing members of other Men’s Tables who will share their experiences and respond to questions, concerns and ideas.
Dan became involved after some life changes at the end of 2019 when he quit his job and broke up with his long-term partner. Taking to google Dan found the Men’s Table, which by this time was set up as regulated charity, and so he decided to start his own Table in Melbourne.
“Being involved with The Men’s Table has benefited other relationships in my life. I used to have the same feelings, but I wasn’t able to articulate them and now I can. It’s really deepened my relationships with my friends and partner.
“Having a place to go regularly encourages men to sit and reflect, especially when they know the table is coming up.
“They are really about looking at the highs and lows of life- so often we skip over celebrating the wins and are unable to express pride in ourselves.
“We have mean come for all sorts of reasons, they might be new to an area, facing retirement, or any number of life changes and they can come together and learn from each other and from those who have been through these things themselves. Many of the men form friendships outside of the group and go fishing or retreats.
“The purpose of the Entree is to go through the guidelines and make sure everyone is on the same page and commit to attending at least nine out of 12 tables. We keep in touch with the tables each month to see how they’re doing and get a table health rating out of 10.
“And if you can’t make it to the Entree don’t worry- we hold regular zoom entree’s so it’s not too late!
To find out more visit themenstable. org–The Men’s Table is a registered charity. There is no membership fee to be part of a Table; it’s a grass roots activity driven by local men in the community.
If you’re interested in being a part of The Men’s Table but can’t make this date and would like to be kept abreast of future gatherings email dan.ball@themenstable.org.
