Topic Tuesday // Men's Mental Health and Peer Support // Tues 9th March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

[TAB]

Think if had belief in stable affordable housing I would get another Cat and not be talking to you 😸

[outlander]

the banksia project sounds great @BanksiaProject im sure its benefiting many men since its been started

[Daisydreamer]

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@BanksiaProject wrote:

@Daisydreamer all of our program Facilitators are Peers - They aren't qualified professionals, just everyday men who want to put their hand up, undergo some training and have the capacity to understand their own health and wellbeing. Some of them have a lived experience with mental health challenges, others simply want to help others. Our 'peer' reference is that they are not trained mental health professionals, just everyday blokes!

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Mates supporting Mates is something we hear on the forums is really beneficial, and having a peer who has ‘been there before’ can help to create a safe environment.
 

Question 2: Why did The Banksia Project choose to focus on Men’s Mental Health and Wellbeing?

For the community: What are some of the key experiences or aspects of Men’s Mental Health that are most important to you?

[Former-Member]

Hi @TAB 

It is really disappointing and disheartening when a psych makes you feel that way. I've experienced something similar and I can understand why you didn't go back. The great thing about Peer Support is that you're discussing things with people who have similar experiences to you and are more likely to have empathy for what you're going through. 

Rosie93

[BanksiaProject]

@outlander 

We have seen men going through our programs for over 3 years now. Some Participants go through their journey and get their resilience and wellbeing to a point where they want to become Facilitators and support others!

We have witnessed men in Rural and Remote locations say that our Growth Room has helped them through fire, drought etc. Whilst we cannot solve the problems, we can support individuals facing them effectively!

It's amazing to witness the positive impact safety, care and vulnerability amongst men can have.

[TAB]

Thanks @Former-Member it either clicks or not on past experience re counselling
Trying not to make this the Tab show not many people here seems

[BanksiaProject]

@Rosie, Another valuable aspect here is that our Peer Facilitators are actually participating also. We like to describe them as 'verbal traffic directors'. They are simply guiding others with conversations however also going through significant personal journeys also. Our only requirement is that they are healthy, stable and committed, to provide the most appropriate support for their Growth Room Participants!

[Daisydreamer]

"We like to describe them as 'verbal traffic directors'. They are simply guiding others with conversations however also going through significant personal journeys also." - @BanksiaProject 

This is so important! Each person is on their own journey and will have times when they are both seeking and offering support at the same time, it's great that there is a space and acknowledgement that recovery in an ongoing processes

[Former-Member]

Hey @TAB 

I just want you to know that we really appreciate you contributing. Feel free to continue in the conversation if you like. 

Rosie93

[BanksiaProject]

Question 2: Why did The Banksia Project choose to focus on Men’s Mental Health and Wellbeing?

@Daisydreamer  Great question!

The Banksia Project focuses on men’s mental health and wellbeing because we are conscious of the rising mental illness rates amongst men in Australia and the inability for men to open up and be vulnerable with the people around them. Our programs encourage connection and open communication, fostering a sense of community amongst men.

We also want to teach men some practical tools on how to stay healthy and resilient. Skills like effective communication, supporting your mates, self-care and support pathways just to name a few!