Topic Tuesday // Men's Mental Health and Peer Support // Tues 9th March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

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@BanksiaProject wrote:

@Daisydreamer all of our program Facilitators are Peers - They aren't qualified professionals, just everyday men who want to put their hand up, undergo some training and have the capacity to understand their own health and wellbeing. Some of them have a lived experience with mental health challenges, others simply want to help others. Our 'peer' reference is that they are not trained mental health professionals, just everyday blokes!

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Mates supporting Mates is something we hear on the forums is really beneficial, and having a peer who has ‘been there before’ can help to create a safe environment.

Question 2: Why did The Banksia Project choose to focus on Men’s Mental Health and Wellbeing?

For the community: What are some of the key experiences or aspects of Men’s Mental Health that are most important to you?

Hi @TAB

It is really disappointing and disheartening when a psych makes you feel that way. I've experienced something similar and I can understand why you didn't go back. The great thing about Peer Support is that you're discussing things with people who have similar experiences to you and are more likely to have empathy for what you're going through.

Rosie93

@outlander

We have seen men going through our programs for over 3 years now. Some Participants go through their journey and get their resilience and wellbeing to a point where they want to become Facilitators and support others!

We have witnessed men in Rural and Remote locations say that our Growth Room has helped them through fire, drought etc. Whilst we cannot solve the problems, we can support individuals facing them effectively!

It's amazing to witness the positive impact safety, care and vulnerability amongst men can have.

@Rosie, Another valuable aspect here is that our Peer Facilitators are actually participating also. We like to describe them as 'verbal traffic directors'. They are simply guiding others with conversations however also going through significant personal journeys also. Our only requirement is that they are healthy, stable and committed, to provide the most appropriate support for their Growth Room Participants!

"We like to describe them as 'verbal traffic directors'. They are simply guiding others with conversations however also going through significant personal journeys also." - @BanksiaProject

This is so important! Each person is on their own journey and will have times when they are both seeking and offering support at the same time, it's great that there is a space and acknowledgement that recovery in an ongoing processes

Hey @TAB

I just want you to know that we really appreciate you contributing. Feel free to continue in the conversation if you like.

Rosie93

Question 2: Why did The Banksia Project choose to focus on Men’s Mental Health and Wellbeing?

@Daisydreamer Great question!

The Banksia Project focuses on men’s mental health and wellbeing because we are conscious of the rising mental illness rates amongst men in Australia and the inability for men to open up and be vulnerable with the people around them. Our programs encourage connection and open communication, fostering a sense of community amongst men.

We also want to teach men some practical tools on how to stay healthy and resilient. Skills like effective communication, supporting your mates, self-care and support pathways just to name a few!

You are right @BanksiaProject there is a rising number of men experiencing mental health concerns, and it sounds like the Banksia Project is working within communities to be a space for men to connect.

What we know from all the research is that one in nine men will experience depression, and one in five will experience anxiety. Men also have reported higher numbers of alcohol and drug related concerns in Australia, and that for many men mental health also has a very big impact on physical health and overall wellbeing.

The Banksia Project is a peer based service; built on the foundation of men supporting men.

Question 3: What is your experience with peer based support, particularly amongst men?