Blokes dinner for carers

DADS who care for children with autism can meet up for some dinner and a chat with others on similar paths at monthly dinners.

Run by a peer support organisation for families of people with autism, Different Journeys, the group partnered with Lifely, who provide disability support services, to facilitate what is called Bendigo Blokes Dinner.

Different Journeys CEO Mel Spencer said the dinners were intentionally being kept small, at eight people.

“We’re capping it at eight, because [of] the opportunity to have those informal conversations,” said Ms Spencer.

“Whether it just be talking about the footy, or whether it be actually ‘hey I need some help’, or ‘I’m not understanding this’.”

Although Different Journeys is based in Melbourne, Ms Spencer said working with groups such as Lifely has enabled greater connection between families seeking support and those able to provide it locally.

“There’s been follow-up able to happen with some of the families that have never accessed the supports and services because they didn’t know about it,” Ms Spencer said.

“When the idea was floated about doing a dads’ one, we thought we’d trial it because the demand was being asked for it.

“We’re actually going to introduce it in Melbourne as well because it’s been so successful in Bendigo.”

Different Journeys also runs other events such as fortnightly carers’ “cuppas” and a monthly teen peer support event for autistic individuals and their families to come together.

“Our focus is for carers of autistic people and [those with] hidden disabilities. It can be really hard, because if you can’t see something right in front of you it’s very easy to be judged,” said Ms Spencer.

“The data and stuff on marriage breakdowns and loneliness is really quite high in the autism space, so [it’s] the opportunity to share your journey, and that resonance of ‘oh my god that’s me too’.

“Feeling that there’s someone else out there that’s having the same challenge as them or talking to someone who’s a bit further along in the journey and listening to what they’ve been able to do, gives you a sense of hope too.”

According to the 2021 census, approximately one-fifth of the population of Greater Bendigo provided unpaid care for people with disabilities, health conditions, and seniors.

The next Bendigo Blokes Dinner will be held on Friday 17 August at The Bendigo Club from 7pm to 9pm, although they are usually on the third Thursday of each month.