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Men’s support group formed

Posted on June 26, 2009, 8:08am

The inaugural Mens Circle meeting, a men’s separation support group, has paved the way for future gatherings, with strong interest shown in the concept.

Fifteen residents gathered in the Mount Gambier Hotel conference room on June 17 to discuss their experience with separation.

Among those were grandparents whose visits to their grandchildren have been restricted.

Mens Circle aims to allow husbands and fathers to come and talk with others who are, or have been, in similar situations; all in a safe environment while supporting them through their hardships.

Mount Gambier men Jon Peters and Brenton Kemp began the men’s support group, having both been through difficult separations.

With the help of university lecturer Stephen Muller, Mens Circle has received support from community organisations.

Mr Peters, who has experience as a social worker, said the first meeting raised concerns for men going through separation.

“There are so many questions and not enough answers,” he said.

“We’re trying to raise mental health awareness so people don’t get down on themselves and end up hitting the pubs.

“We want people to feel like it is no major step to come along and join us. They just need to come along; we support people in all different stages of separation.”

Mr Kemp said the group maintained a level of maturity and respect when talking about their former partners.

“This is a positive movement,” he said.

“It will benefit our kids and our future partners.”

Mens Circle has already begun looking at attracting guest speakers from the legal and mental health sectors to assist participants with any concerns they might have.

Mr Peters said one of the group’s aims was to eliminate family violence in the community by addressing issues before they become problems.

Mens Circle will meet on July 22 at a venue to be confirmed.

Contact Brenton Kemp on 0458 289 676 for information.

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One Response to “Men’s support group formed”

  1. Anonymums on June 27th, 2009 1:12 pm 1

    Meanwhile this takes away funding for the victims of family violence and reinforces the systematic abuse that goes on against women.

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