Social BBQ to get men chatting

THE next monthly Mr Perfect social barbecue will take place at Lake Weeroona this Sunday 14 July.

The barbies are held regularly across Australia, designed to provide men with an informal place to have a chat about life and foster new connections.

Mr Perfect is not a crisis service, but rather a social support organisation also offering information and resources around mental health.

Bendigo host Luke Baker said the local barbecues started in December 2022 and response had been good, with between 15 and 20 people attending each month.

“It’s a good mix of returning attendees and new attendees,” Mr Baker said.

He said the purpose of the barbecues was to create a place where people could go and enjoy the company of others.

And while men’s mental health is a focus, the barbecues are not exclusive.

“We don’t turn anyone away,” Mr Baker said. “It’s a chance to build up people’s social interactions and conversation skills.”

Mr Baker said participants could talk to others about issues affecting their lives if they desired, but it was not a requirement.

“Just turn up, have a free snag, a free soft drink and a bit of a chat,” he said.

Mr Perfect was founded in 2016 by Sydney man Terry Cornick to help other men with their mental health.

Mr Baker said the need to provide support for people with mental health issues has always been there.

“I think we’re getting better at understanding the stigma attached to mental health,” he said.

“I think we’re getting better as a society at asking for help or reaching out.”

Registrations for the 14 July event, at the barbecue shelter closest to the train line, are not required. It will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm.