Through our Grants Program and a direct donation from the PAYCE Foundation, we were thrilled to support the launch of Mendable at Community Links this year. Mendable is an intergenerational men’s group that welcomes men aged 18 and over from all walks of life — to gather in a safe, accepting and non-judgmental space. The group aims to foster emotional well-being, build genuine connection, and provide a supportive community where men can share experiences, express feelings, and support one another through life’s ups and downs. Mendable offers a chance for men to break through social isolation, feel seen and heard, and strengthen bonds with peers — sadly for some, this kind of support is not easy to find.
Why a group like Mendable matters:
- According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), in 2023 about 17% of Australian men (aged 15 and over) reported experiencing social isolation, compared with 13% of women.AIHW+1
- Research from Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) shows that mental ill-health is common among Australian men: up to 25% will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder in their lifetime, and about 15% in any given 12-month period.Australian Institute of Family Studies+1
- AIFS also found that loneliness — such as having no close friends or relatives — is strongly linked to depression and increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours among men.Australian Institute of Family Studies+1
- Data on social connectedness shows that about 4% of adult men in Australia report having no close friends or relatives, and a significant portion — approximately a quarter — report low levels of perceived social support or meaningful relationships.
Given these realities — meaningful numbers of men living isolated lives, a high prevalence of mental health disorders, and a clear link between loneliness / lack of social support and suicidality, community-based men’s groups like Mendable play a vital role. They provide a place where men can connect, feel supported, share openly, and reduce the risk of drifting into isolation or despair.
According to Bob Tangey from Mendable;
“After spending many years working in youth engagement it has become increasingly apparent that there is a growing need to support men after the age of 18 to avoid them ‘slipping through the cracks’ and struggling alone with social isolation and mental health.
Through Mendable, our goal is to invite people to belong, no matter who they are or what their struggles may be, we are there to help them settle in and feel like they are a part of something bigger. It is the group members that make the group what it is. Each person brings their own life experience, personality and knowledge to the group which means the group learns and grows together.”
There is strong evidence that peer support groups like Mendable can offer regular, low-cost, accessible assistance, and may help men who are less likely to seek formal mental-health services. They may also be a trusted environment where members can ask for help when they need it – whether that’s through a referral to more formal counselling or just a friendly ear to listen.
“Mendable is a low pressure, casual environment. There are no expectations, we are just a group of men getting together and enjoying good company with some self-directed activities to keep them busy along the way. It really is a simple thing that has incredibly positive and long-lasting outcomes for those involved.”
Mendable and projects like it have the power to build healthier lives and break harmful cycles for future generations. As the team at Mendable say, “Prioritising mental health isn’t a weakness – it’s a strength that helps men communicate better, connect with others and live longer, healthier lives”.
Mendable has now been running for 9 weeks and meets once a week on Fridays in Bowral for two hours. The group may work together on small projects, sharing their skills, go out to a venue or just have a chat a coffee and a catch up – it’s very much led by the group.
If you, or someone you know would like to hear more about Mendable or come along to the next meeting, call Bob on 0447 337 428 or email mhintake@communitylinks.org.au
