A new support group in Ballarat is giving men who care for someone experiencing mental health challenges an opportunity to connect, share their experiences, and talk openly about the challenges of caring for someone.
The Male Carers Men's Circle was established through the Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect, with support from The Outback Mind Foundation and long-time men's circle facilitator Aaron Schultz.
The first session was held in August and brought together 15 men ranging from their late teens to their mid-70s.
As one of the people behind the group, Mind Family and Carer Peer Practitioner Jeroen van Gijssel saw first-hand how powerful it was to bring male carers of different generations and backgrounds together.
One of the carers in attendance said, “We didn't know how much we needed this.”.
“It's hard in general for some men to speak up,” Jeroen said. ”But having a smaller group of men that care for somebody and are motivated to share, and feel comfortable doing so, gives men the space to open up in a way that they really need.”
The session provided a safe environment for participants to talk about their experiences, with Jeroen observing the men becoming increasingly more comfortable sharing their stories.
“It was great to see them slowly open up and the fear of vulnerability leave them,” he said.
The group also highlighted how much men of different generations could learn from one another. Younger participants were able to draw on the experiences shared by older men, while older participants gained new insights from younger carers.
For Jeroen, creating a space specifically for male carers was important because some men can find it difficult to acknowledge when they need support.
“It's okay to speak up, it's okay to admit that it's hard,” he said.
“Strangers were making connections with each other who share similar experiences in their lives.”
The group now meets once a month, with the possibility of moving to fortnightly sessions based on feedback from participants.
Jeroen hopes the connections formed through the group will help reduce isolation among carers and, ultimately, develop into lasting friendships and support networks.
“Hopefully this will keep growing,” Jeroen said.
“There's definitely a need for it. The group is an example of the importance of creating spaces where carers can connect with others who understand their experiences, and where asking for support can become part of looking after their own wellbeing.”
The initiative is also being designed to be accessible to carers who cannot attend the regular Saturday sessions, with smaller walk-and-talks planned for people whose caring responsibilities make attending difficult.
The Male Carers Men's Circle is held monthly, and other Mind Australia staff, volunteers, and carers are also set to receive facilitator training so they can help run future sessions. Another Men’s Circle is held at Horsham Neighbourhood House in Wimmera, led by Caeleb Warren, Family Carer Peer Practitioner Lead for Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect.
The Male Carers Men’s Circle is hosted by Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect – a centre for family members, carers, kin and supporters of people experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges.
To find out more about the Male Carers Men’s Circle or Grampians Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect, call 1800 962 008 or email [email protected].