I've got down from the Table
Last week I resigned from The Men’s Table.
In June 2011 when I started the first Table I had realised the importance of getting men together over a cheap meal. I had been through a destructive divorce, was struggling with self-employment and was then living with undiagnosed ADHD. I’d failed to keep my male friends close and found myself in a bad position with absolutely nobody to talk to about what was going on for me. Life was tough. After talking to two men at a business networking event I realised that I heard a lot of stories from men; I wondered why.
Then I realised it was because I normally tell people how I feel, this allows other people to do the same and share their feelings. Being vulnerable is important, not just for you.
I have made lifelong friendships from The Men’s Table and hope all the men at the Tables can do the same. This will only be done by committing to the Fundamentals, turning up, not just for yourself, being vulnerable and not talking “footy and shit”. Not every evening at a Table is going to be great and at first it can be very clunky with some men just not getting the concept. Stick with it and help others come to the Table realising it is not just about them. Alright, that is enough preaching 😉
As I write this there are approximately 200 Tables across Australia, in every State and Territory. Tables create a unique place for men to be heard, a place for men to find a community. It has been an education for me and I hope it has helped you and potentially rippled into your family.
I am leaving The Men’s Table but will be continuing my community building work and will remain a strong and passionate advocate for men.
If you’re ever in Northern Tassie, come and say hello, and meantime I wish you all well at The Men’s Table.
Ben Hughes
Co-founder
April 2024