Connecting men over dinner

A "grassroots" way for men to connect and develop friendships will be launched at Warragul and Drouin next week.
The Men's Table is described as a preventative men's mental health and community-building initiative by Bill Karametos of Melbourne, who is facilitating dinners at the Robin Hood Hotel at Drouin West next Tuesday and the Courthouse restaurant in Warragul on the following night.
Mr Karametos said the dinners were another get-together option for men that might find a monthly dinner and chat a better fit for them than Men's Sheds, service clubs and sporting groups.
He said next week's "entree events", that start at 6.30pm, had already attracted five people to attend each but more - ideally a maximum of 12 - were welcome.
The idea is that the local men will establish the dinners as a monthly event where they share a drink and a meal and chat about the highs and lows of their lives in a safe, judgement free environment.
It will be hosted by a couple of long standing members of other Men's Tables, sharing their experiences from their tables, and responding to your questions, concerns and ideas.
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.
Mr Karametos said belonging to a Men's Table contributed to mental, emotional and social wellbeing whilst being a powerful support to individual members journeys through life.
Men's Tables are quietly spreading across the country and cost nothing to join other than the price of a meal and drinks.Further information is available at www.themenstable.org and Mr Karametos can be contacted at bill.karametos@themen'stable.org for those interested in attending the Drouin and Warragul dinners next week.