Men’s Table expands mental health support in drought-affected regions

Community organisation The Men’s Table is expanding its peer-led mental health support into drought-affected regions across South Australia, targeting farming communities facing prolonged dry conditions.

With funding support from Preventive Health SA, the initiative will roll out over the next 12 months in regions including the Barossa, Riverland, Eyre Peninsula, Mid North, Limestone Coast, Yorke Peninsula, Murraylands and Spencer Gulf.

The program establishes locally run Men’s Tables, where small groups of men meet monthly to talk and listen in a confidential, non-judgemental setting. The model is designed to reduce isolation and provide practical emotional support during times of sustained pressure.

Chief Executive Officer David Pointon said drought compounds the difficulty many rural men already face in talking about mental health.

“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, and drought can make that isolation even worse.”

Mr Pointon said regular, trusted conversations can strengthen entire communities.

“When men are given permission to talk honestly about what’s going on for them, it builds resilience not just for the men themselves, but for their families and the wider community,” he said.

More information is available at themenstable.org or by calling 1800 636 782.