At its recent meeting the Gawler Men’s Wellbeing Network (GMWN) discussed the availability of “peer support” for men in our community.

Chaired by local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo the GMWN brings together men and women who work with men in either the profit, not for profit or government sectors.

Mr Piccolo said the network discusses issues facing men in our community and how the various network members could bring men who are doing it tough together to work through their issues.

“At our recent meeting we had two presentations from groups who provide peer support for men in the greater Gawler area,” said Mr Piccolo.

Dave Clarke, the President of Willo’s Shed spoke about the support provided by the local “Men’s Table” which meets monthly at the Exchange Hotel.

Mr Clarke said navigating life can be tough if you try to do it alone, and many men in SA are feeling alone. By creating supportive local communities, The Men’s Table are helping men to help each other with the bumps and scrapes of life.

“Every month in Gawler a table of about 10 men meet over a simple meal with the intention of sharing what is going on for them, how they feel and providing support for each other just by listening. They forge meaningful relationships built on trust, respect, and acceptance of each other,” said Mr Clarke.

“These relationships contribute to the mental, emotional, and social wellbeing of the men, and these benefits ripple into the relationships with their families, friends and the wider community.”

The Other guest speakers at the meeting were local resident Bernd Bussek and Luke Di Sessa who spoke about the Good Better Best Men organisation.

Mr Bussek said Good Better Best Men is a community supporting men to be the best versions of themselves.

Mr Di Sessa said as a registered not for profit and charity Good Better Best Men promotes and supports men’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing because we know these are integral to men contributing to sustainable families and communities.

“We do this through our self-development and growth programs, workshops, and courses,” said Mr Di Sessa.

“We create groups/circles that are safe, confidential, and respectful spaces for men to be real, without judgement and criticism.”

“Men develop a connection where they can share what is important to them, learn from other men’s experiences, and look at their past to discover their present.”

“Together, we learn and grow our authentic communication skills, find a sense of self and inner direction, and develop deep relationships with other men.

The other local group in Gawler is SA Brothers who meet weekly at the Kingsford Hotel.  They will provide a guest speaker at the next GMWN meeting.

Mr Piccolo said men helping other men cope and grow is a powerful way for men to learn how to negotiate the challenges life throws at them in a positive manner.

“Physically and mentally healthy men help create and support healthy families and healthy communities,” said Mr Piccolo.

Anyone interested in knowing more about the Gawler Men’s Wellbeing Network or would like to contact one of the locally based men peer support groups should contact the Light Electorate Office by phoning 85 222878 or via email and light@parliament.sa.gov.au