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Flagstone Blokes: Men doing men stuff shine the light on mental health
Forget secret women’s business - in October we are shining a light on Flagstone Blokes, with a special focus on Queensland Mental Health Week.
With research revealing men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues than women, it’s reassuring to know that the door to our men’s group is always open.
Launched in 2022 as a place for men to catch up and share quality time with like-minded fellas, the group is made up of blokes from all walks of life.
Some may be dealing with issues related to mental health, addiction, or trauma, while others are seeking personal growth and self-improvement, but the diversity within the group allows for a variety of perspectives and experiences, fostering an environment of learning and support.
The group serves as a platform for discussing various topics, such as work, relationships, health, hobbies, and current events.
Flagstone Blokes Founder Chris Spruce, 66, said “men doing men stuff” was a great way to combat mental health issues.
“It’s very important that men get to talk about things, and they don’t like doing that with women present,” he said.
“We meet once a week on a Thursday morning for coffee and we share as much or as little as we like.
“It’s a safe place to talk through any problems. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re lonely and need to talk, or not working and need mates then I tell people to just come along and try it – we are all there to make friends.”
Statistics reveal almost 1 in 2 Australians (aged 16-85) will experience a mental illness such as depression or anxiety in their lifetime, and every day 8.6 will take their own life.
Sadly, suicide continues to be more common among Australian men than women, with men making up more than three-quarters of suicidal deaths. Research also indicates that the risk of suicide increases over time for men, with the highest rates of suicide among those aged 30-59 years.
The good news is that studies show that men’s chat groups can provide a sense of community and support, allowing members to build relationships with other men who share similar experiences and interests. These groups can also help men break down societal barriers and stigma around vulnerability and emotional expression, encouraging healthier and more authentic relationships with themselves and others.
Chris, who has lived in Flagstone for 18 years, said it was important to support Queensland Mental Health Week, which runs from October 5 to 13.
He’s joining the Flagstone Community Team and taking part in One Foot Forward to help reduce the impact of mental illness and suicide.
The team is walking to raise funds for Black Dog Institute, to enable them to put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education, and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most. Click here to find out more or donate to the walk.
In partnership with Black Dog Institute Flagstone is also running free community mental health talks at the Peet old sales office, cnr of Bransen and Homestead Drive, Flagstone (near Coles).
- Wednesday October 16, at 6.30pm hosted by Flagstone Community Association
- Thursday October 17, at 10.30am hosted by Flagstone Blokes.
Visit our Facebook event page for more information.
Anyone who needs a chat and wants to meet some like-minded men is encouraged to find out more about Flagstone Blokes by emailing: info@flagstoneblokes.com.au Alternatively, visit the Flagstone Blokes website.