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@BanksiaProject You’ve mentioned that from your living and working experiences that you have been involved in designing services around the challenges of men, would you be able to elaborate a bit more on what some of the challenges that the Banksia Projects helps to address/provide support for?

Thanks for the question @Daisydreamer.

Firstly, we are dedicated to ensuring that our Growth Rooms do not represent a 'one size fits all' model. Whilst we have a framework, some safety measures and guidance for Participants and Facilitators, our programs are designed so that individuals from all walks of life can take the learnings and apply them to their own circumstances. 

We do however see some common themes amongst men who are struggling that we try to address:

- Lack of mental health literacy - we provide educational modules (designed by clinicians) to pass on effective skills around mental health and wellbeing. A "Gym for the Mind" - places to get mentally fit and resilient, ideally before crisis.

- Social Isolation - Our Growth Rooms help men 'find their tribe'. A team of men who are supporting them authentically, for who they truly are, through life's ups and downs.

- Lack of authenticity - Growth Rooms are spaces for men to express whatever they are feeling without judgement. We want them to be able to be honest and open, without fear of judgement.

- Practice!! We want men to practice all of these things; skills, supporting others, authenticity and self-awareness.

Sorry for the long-winded response, but you asked!