The Men's Table invites drought-affected regions to talk mental health

The Men's Table is starting community-led work to support men and their families in dry and drought affected areas of South Australia.

With support from Preventive Health SA, Men's Tables will be in the Barossa, Riverland, Eyre Peninsula, Mid North, Limestone Coast, Yorke Peninsula, Murraylands and Spencer Gulf regions over the next 12 months.

The national organisation creates a place for local, peer-to-peer support, where groups men get together once a month. Over a meal in a private room of a pub or restaurant, they listen and share in a trusted, non-judgmental environment.

Men's Table CEO David Pointon said the table is a two-way street. Men can share what's going on for them and be heard by other men in their community. They also give back by showing up each month, listening in return, and offering support when it's needed.

"People are not as inclined to reach out and talk about issues, particularly men," Mr Pointon said.

"Country blokes, farmers particularly, are used to being completely self-reliant. I saw that with my grandfather who farmed all his life near Millicent."

Mr Pointon said all around Australia, he has seen men talk when there's a safe and trusted place to do it. For him and many others, being a part of the Men's Table helped their own mental health and wellbeing, and also helped others in their group.

"When men have an opportunity to share the highs and lows of their lives and build relationships based on sharing stuff that is real for them, there are positive ripple effects that can strengthen the resilience of them and those around them," Mr Pointon said.

"There are impacts across the whole community and we’re glad to see this sort of sustainable, local support being directed to these SA communities that are doing it tough."

Interested in joining or supporting a table? To find out more:

• go to The Men's Table website
• call 1800 636 782
• email: sa@themenstable.org

The Men's Table will have a shut down from Monday 22 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026.