The Men's Table continues growth and positive impact on communities
After six years bringing men together for meaningful conversations, The Men’s Table has expanded its purpose and released a comprehensive review of its program.
Tabled in the NSW parliament on International Men’s Day (19 November), the impact report - Strengthening Community with Care – demonstrates why Tables are growing at a rapid rate across Australia, why funders continue to support the community-based, peer-led program and how friends and family of Table members are feeling the positive ripple effects of men joining a Table.
Each table has 10-12 members who meet once a month over dinner to share the highs and lows of their lives and how they’re really feeling in a safe and trusted place.
According to the 2024 impact report, 43% are looking for friendship and connection. The age of men starts at 18, but the biggest cohort is between 45-55 (27%) and 56-65 (31%).
Of these:
- 87% said the Table met their needs
- 95% said that their Table was a safe place to share feelings
- 79% said they had become a better listener since attending a Table
- 71% were less lonely
- 64% said there’s been a positive impact on their relationships outside of their Tables
- 70% said they are able to help other Table members seek support if they talk about suicide.
In addition, 49% of men were more likely to get a medical checkup and 54% were more likely to seek professional help for their mental health when they needed it. The longer Tables endured, the greater their impact on participants and the community.
From Strengthening Community with Care: Impacts and Insights 2024
“There is a positive connective tissue that is strengthening communities with care,” noted The Men’s Table CEO (and co-founder) David Pointon. “Looking ahead, the public discourse about the role men play in ending violence against women, and being positive role models to younger men, are arenas we understand our community of men wish to contribute to.”
James Cook University is conducting an external evaluation of 10 new Tables across Queensland, and The Men’s Table is also working closely with Monash University via a research agreement to develop academic evidence of the impact of The Men’s Table. Funding comes from multiple sources including the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, a number of primary health networks in Queensland, WA Mental Health Commissions, Tas Health and local councils in Victoria and NSW.
Table Members have indicated they would like to:
- Increase diversity, especially younger men
- Connect beyond Tables and outside of monthly meetings
- Form cross-Table connections with other Tables in their city
- Increase the number of Tables
- Offer more support and resources on the Fundamentals of running a table
- Assist with venue logistics.
Learn more about The Men’s Table