Chris Hewitt is a retired teacher from Caloundra. He belongs to a cycling group and has a great set of mates around him. Looking to widen his social circle even further, last year he saw an ad for The Men’s Table and decided to go along to an Entrée (introductory evening).
“I was interested in the idea that it was a different kind of conversation on offer, so I wanted to find out more,” Chris says. “The men who attended that night came from all over – Woodford, Nambour, Caboolture. It goes to show there’s a demand for this sort of thing.”
The Men’s Table is a national not for profit, gathering groups of 8-12 of the same men together for dinner once a month to enjoy deeper conversations, build trusted connections, and offer peer support for one another.
“It’s a confidential place for men to talk about their experiences, get stuff of their chest and have a conversation that goes beyond the usual banter you find in the pub or on the golf course,” says Regional Host, Wayne Krueger. “Men tell us they find it a safe place to share, and they can rely on their Table mates when they need support. It’s so important for men’s mental, emotional and social wellbeing and it not only helps the men, but it also helps their families and others around them too.”
The Caloundra Table (MT220) has been meeting since May 2024 and has a few seats open to interested men. It has been funded by the Wilson Foundation, a philanthropic organisation with a focus on investing in innovative research and progressive initiatives around mental and physical health.
“The Wilson Foundation have been great supporters of The Men’s Table on the Sunshine Coast,” says Wayne. “We’re grateful to them and the Queensland Mental Health Commission for partnering with us to bring more Tables to Queensland and to evaluate the impact they have on communities.”
“Our Table has men from different backgrounds that are all broad and interesting,” Chris explains. “Everyone brings something to the Table, so to speak. It’s enriching. I find such value in listening to men share their stories.”
“There are some parallel experiences and other times you are made to realise what other people are going through. And it’s not about providing solutions for one another, it’s a place for sharing with permission. The fact that we’ve all committed to keep each other’s confidence means it’s much easier to be open because you’re assured that what you’ve said will go no further.”
“It’s a different kind of conversation,” Chris says. “It has much more depth than those I have with others, and I really enjoy it. I’m here for the long term.”
There are three Men’s Tables on the Sunshine Coast in Caloundra and Noosa/Tewantin, with Entrees during March in Maleny and Gympie.
Interested men can visit www.themenstable.org for more information or to register to attend.
