G’day mates as I have started it is simply me contacting a few men that I knew who were struggling. The concept started with an ex policeman who said that there was no place to go just to talk about the challenges that he faced in life other than a mental rehabilitation centre, which was opened limited hours.
What I felt was needed was to bring a small group of guys together who were struggling, along with either a qualified counsellor or psychologist and be open about what’s going on in their lives in a safe environment. With this they can exchange contact details, build friendships to support each other and do “life” together. Some people have caught up for coffee, other times we have gone on hikes or go for a surf.
We currently fund these get togethers and meet fortnightly at Corrimal district library but we’re looking to expand to other locations around Sydney and south coast.
There is no membership, committee, contracts or request for money. There will be a donations tin if you have any extra cash lying around and this money will be used for future hire of the rooms.
At one of our BBQ’s, we had one of the coordinators of the Shoalhaven Black Dog Ride, who wanted to see how we ran things. And this is why I am contacting you. After that ride Paul thanked everyone for coming and we thought it would have been a perfect opportunity to share some stories or open it up for ideas. As I looked around I noticed a lot of guys ring on there own who I would have liked to get the contact details for to invite them to our group.
However, one of the comments that came up and always comes up with depression is to suggest to listeners to ring certain numbers to get help. However, the people on the end of the phone can’t give a guy a hug, shake his hand, meet for a coffee, or offer to drive him somewhere, or help with some minor tasks. What I have started in our small town on the east coast was never about me running them everywhere, but rather getting other blokes to hear about what we are doing and replicate it where they live.
We are firm believers in dropping a pebble in the pond to get the maximum ripple effect.
The groups are small amounts (5-12 people), with the clear intent that everyone gets to have their say, if they feel comfortable to share. The only 2 rules in the group is to:
- Respect others confidentiality
- Be a non-Judgmental good listener
We usually start off the group by meditating for 5-10 minutes then the coordinator introduces himself. We will then build conversation from whatever topics come up.
Our G’day Mates meetings are something the community could really benefit from, giving men a safe place to talk and community to do “life” with.
Please submit your interest to our team below and we will contact you within 24 hours.