Looking for conversation that goes beyond banter?
You’re not alone: and an organisation called The Men’s Table is coming to Forbes to get you connected.
They’re starting with an entrée on Tuesday 3 June.
Al Stratton, Western NSW regional host, said the “entrée” is exactly what it sounds like – a taster or preview of a table - and he’s encouraging men to register.
Al has been sitting on a table for three-and-a-half years and now works for the organisation, which is establishing tables in communities including Eugowra, Canowindra and Parkes.
Latest Stories
“The Men’s Table is a group of guys, basically, that meets once a month, and we have some guidelines around helping the conversation go a bit deeper,” he said.
The Men’s Table was formed in 2011 when, at the invitation of Ben Hughes, a group of men decided to have dinner with the intention of having a place to connect with other men, and talk about the highs and lows of their lives.
They’ve been meeting once a month ever since to talk, laugh and share about what’s going on for them, and have forged relationships based on trust and acceptance.
Now, with the financial backing of the Primary Health Network, they’re looking to establish more tables in Western NSW.
What they see is that men’s relationships are often connected to work or sport.
“In those spaces there’s not a lot of opportunity for what we call ability to share from your heart about what’s going on for you in your life,” Al said.
The Men’s Table intentionally creates a safe and non-judgemental space, where men can unload a bit.
It’s open to men aged 18 years and over.
The entrée night is an obligation-free opportunity to come and “kick the tyres”, Al said, to see if it’s for you.
“We do what we call a check-in round, everybody has a chance to say why they came tonight, why they responded to the invitation,” Al said.
“There’s many different reasons men join but around 60 per cent of men we survey say the reason is social connection, but also seeking a real conversation.”
What: Men’s Table entree
Where: Club Forbes, Templar Street
When: 6.30 for 7pm start Tuesday 3 June
Bookings: events.humanitix.com
The cost of $27.50 covers your meal on the night.
