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Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Unknown userMember30 May 2019, 12:05 pm AEST

Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Identifying as being in a caring role, particularly as a male can be a little challenging at times. As our special guest @Greg_MenCareToo for this event from Men Care too mentions “Caring and nurture are characteristics not often associated with males but every man has a different experience and unique responsibilities in life. The same can be said when it comes to the caring role.”

We are really excited to make the most of the Topic Tuesday event to explore the feelings around identity, challenges and communication when it comes to being a male in a caring role or being a carer who understands the challenges and can offer those insights to others too.

We welcome all of the community, male or not to share their perspectives and insights!

Want to receive an email reminder on the night? Hit the 'Support' button below.

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I'm new here - what is Topic Tuesday?

Topic Tuesday runs from 7pm - 9pm AEST monthly. Each month we focus on a different topic, with the session facilitated by a Community Manager or Moderator. Sometimes Topic Tuesday will feature a special guest, who is an expert in the topic.

The first post of the thread (this one) will give you an idea of what the topic is and what will be covered.

How do I get involved?

Topic Tuesday takes place right here! It's text based, so no software is needed. During the session, to keep up with the latest posts hit the 'refresh' button on your browser for the latest posts (it doesn't automatically update). Keep an eye for page numbers at the top & bottom of the page, and jump to the highest page number for the most recent post.

Throughout the session, the facilitator will put questions out for you to answer, usually asking for your own experience on the topic. To contribute to the session, just hit the 'reply' button and share your thoughts. No answers are right or wrong and everyone is welcome to get involved.

If you have any questions about how to use the Forums, check out our Guides.

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Unknown userMember25 June 2019, 7:52 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@Nino thats wonderful that your study and work intersects in a way that helps with your identity

Nice one on the motorbike @Determined - and trying is all you need, small steps but the awareness is there which is awesome

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

AdgeSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:54 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

I was expected to be an emotional support for my mother, when I was only 10 years old - & did many of the household chores.

I was blamed for not looking after my brother, when I was only 5 years old (he was 4).

I looked after, & helped to raise my youngest brother (when in my teens).

Those are excessive expectations to put on a young child (me).

So no, there is no support or understanding from my relatives - they simply expect me to do it.

That's why I have lived interstate, for the past 25 years.

Adge

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

MDTSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:54 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

As in caring for someone sick @Former-Member

Or being a caring person?

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

DeterminedSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:55 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Additional note on identity

For a long time my 'identity' was closely tied in with my work role. In a lot of ways because it was a form of escape from the challenges at home resulting in long hours at work. So when I lost that job (resigned) due to burn out not only did I loos that part of my identity that was when my darling also really derailed as not having me providing and not knowing what the future healed was too much for her. Particularly me being lost and not knowing what to do. I have always had to put on a brave face as the foundation for darlings wellness.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Greg_MenCareTooSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:55 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Hi @eth great to hear different perspectives, I think we can learn from eachother

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Unknown userMember25 June 2019, 7:56 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Welcome @eth thanks for coming along 😊

Awesome that you make the time to go to art classes @MrDad - so valuable to take that time for you.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

MrDadContributor25 June 2019, 7:56 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

I agree that sharing anonymously or in a professional setting is better suited to many men. I often find that simply being able to vent, tell my story, or even just be in an environment that is supportive is very helpful,

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

MDTSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:58 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@Greg_MenCareToo

What sort of caring do you do? And how qualified do you need to be for it?

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Greg_MenCareTooSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:59 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@Adge you touch on an important topic there of young carers, there is more support and awareness around these days but still a way to go.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Unknown userMember25 June 2019, 8:00 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Hey all, tonight is super engaging and lots of conversation happening which is awesome!

Lets take it on to our next discussion point:

Check out the below stat from Men Care Too: The 2015 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers in Australia identified and estimated 272K men providing primary care to someone significant in their life and around 927K men with caring responsibilities but not a primary carer.

With that in mind, a lot of men in a caring role may not work full time or at all. Have you ever found yourself getting asked “What do you do for work?” How does that question effect you and how do you respond?

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