There is an unhelpful narrative that problematises maleness and alienates men, with a notable lack of positive male role models.
One quarter of Australian men report having no one to confide in about their worries and fears and feeling pressure to conform to traditional masculine norms.
Not showing emotion, avoiding vulnerability and being overly self-reliant can lead to unhealthy outcomes such as social disconnection, isolation, reluctance to seek care, risky coping behaviours and mental health challenges.
With a commitment to regular, structured, intentional conversation between men, Table by Table, conversation by conversation, we’re working to make caring connection a universal male behaviour to benefit men, their families and their communities.
By supporting The Men’s Table with monthly donations, philanthropic gifts or leaving a legacy in your will, you are contributing to the foundations of a healthier, more caring society. Evaluation of the impact of the Men’s Table program shows the benefits of building connection, conversation and community are not limited to men at Tables, but ripple out to their families, friends, communities and broader society.
1 in 4 men report having no one outside of immediate family they can rely on. Loneliness is a risk factor for poor health and wellbeing, increasing likelihood of issues such as heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression and dementia. 71% of men who sit a Tables report feeling less lonely as a result of forming connections with other men by having dinner once a month to talk about how they feel.
Men are around three times more likely to take their own lives, with relationship breakdown a driving factor. Our 2024 survey of men at Tables reports 55% of men have a lived experience of suicide, and 75% say they could call someone from their Table if they were going through a rough time.
Negative gender stereotypes and online influencers reinforce the traditional masculine norms of not showing emotion, avoiding vulnerability and being overly self-reliant. These behaviours are harmful for men’s mental health and relationships, in turn impacting the communities around them. Positive male peer relationships are a protective factor for reducing violence against women and children and 64% of men report being better able to model healthy versions of being a man from sitting at a Table.
We welcome introductions and conversations that help us to expand our networks with like-minded individuals. If you’d like to have a chat with our funding team; introduce us to others who might be interested in supporting our mission; or would like us to present at your organisation on the impact of peer to peer support for men, their families and their communities please get in touch for a chat.
