Adelaide CBD Men's Table Entree

Monday the 12th of October

6.30 pm for 7.00 sharp - 9.00 pm

The General Havelock, 162 Hutt St, Adelaide

"It really gives me a sense of belonging - I feel a part of something" - James, Entree attendee

A chance to have a different kind of conversation with men from the normal one down at the pub or at work" - Carlos, Entree attendee

The Men's Table Entree is an introduction to The Men’s Table through open sharing over a relaxed and conversational meal in a private, accepting and confidential environment. This event is a chance to meet other men, and to learn about how a Table works which will help you decide whether you'd like to be part of a new Men's Table.

It will be hosted by Ben Trobbiani, Regional Host for South Australia and a long term member of another local table in Adelaide.

This event will be held upstairs in a private room at the General Havelock. If you have any accessibility requirements or difficulty with stairs, please contact Ben on 0492 974 860 before registering to discuss whether the venue will be suitable.

What is the Men’s Table?

The Men’s Table is all about men serving men. The first Men's Table (MT1) began in 2011 with 12 men who have met once a month for dinner and ever since. It has now grown to become a national charity, with over 300 tables across Australia.

The Men’s Table creates a unique environment for men to share openly about their lives, their challenges, their highs and lows with a group of men who they learn to know, like and trust. There's never been a better time to get connected and be part of building community and it's healthy to show emotions and share feelings. The Men’s Table creates a sense of belonging, community, peer support and camaraderie that is lacking for many men, even for some who already have a group of mates.

Belonging to a Men’s Table contributes to mental, emotional and social wellbeing whilst being a powerful support to individual members' journeys through life. Each Men’s Table is a distinct expression of the needs and personalities of its members, established around a simple set of guidelines learned from MT1 and subsequent Tables. To remain healthy, functioning and long lasting groups, all Tables are supported by the Kitchen, a central office.

What can you expect from a typical Men’s Table evening? 

Men gain a great deal from sharing and hearing other men’s experiences of life. Each Men's Table group will have its own approach which can change over time. A typical evening often includes:

• Chatting, meeting other men as people arrive.

• At 7.00pm, a brief check in.

• As men feel ready, a man shares what is happening for him. This can be anything from moments of joy, happiness, pride, challenges and or obstacles, how things are in relationships, work and friendships, the past, future, sadness, grief. The topics are as wide and varied as men’s life experiences.

• A person's sharing might be around 10 minutes.

• Confidentiality is important and it is up to a man if he shares that evening.

• As men share, they are listened to and accepted; questions are generally not asked, unless the man would like input at the end.

• Fixing' of other men after they've shared about their lives is actively discouraged, even though most men want to jump in and offer advice

• Men share from their direct experience, speaking for themselves. We avoid prophesising and generalisation.

The Entree will give you a great overview of how a Men’s Table works. It’s also a chance to meet other men who are considering joining and to see whether a Men’s Table feels like the right fit for you.

At The Men's Table, we’re all about open conversation, and questions are always welcome. If you’d like to know more or have a chat, give Ben a call on 0492 974 860 or email ben.trobbiani@themenstable.org .

You can also find out more at our website www.themenstable.org

The Men's Table is a registered charity and is a grass roots activity driven by local men in the community.

For more information on this event, contact: Ben Trobbiani ben.trobbiani@themenstable.org 0492 974 860