Entree served at Men’s Table

A MONTHLY men’s support group is coming to Ballarat.

On Wednesday, 16 November, national non-profit The Men’s Table will hold their first local dinner meeting at the Grand Hotel.

The Men’s Table invites up to 12 men to come together to discuss their feelings and wider existential topics over a meal.

Regional co-host Dan Ball said Ballarat men have much to gain from the initiative.

“It will hopefully bring that connection and that network for the community that some men might be missing,” he said.

“We have conversational guidelines for this, what we call fundamentals. You’re not here to talk about footy or politics or surface-level stuff you might talk about with your mates.”

Now running in 75 locations throughout Australia, The Men’s Table was formed in 2019 by co-founders David Pointon and Ben Hughes, who held similar monthly dinners for eight years prior.

Mr Ball said the initial meeting, or The Entree, will allow attendees to “dip their toes in the water,” before they decide whether they’d like to commit to a series of nine more sessions.

“We ask this of people so they can maintain the bond-building, relationship building, and the commitment to each other,” he said.

“You’re here for a reason. It shows a respect for each other and what can be some pretty deep conversation so we don’t want men dropping in and out when they feel like it.

“It’s a commitment, if they choose to stick with it. You’re here to actually open up and share what’s really going on for you.

“Speaking from personal experience, I’ve felt it’s easier to have that conversation at a deeper level when your intention is to go there once a month.”

The launch will run from 7pm to 9pm with tickets at $27.50 via bit.ly/3EJ2aix.