For Brad Kane and Jock Campbell, a place to openly chat about the challenges in their lives has been a welcome relief.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Along with nearly a dozen other men, both guys come together once a month as part of The Banksia Project, a mental health not-for-profit which was recognised as a highly commended 2021 Community Group of the Year at the 'Orange Australia Day 2021 Awards'.
Mr Kane was instrumental in setting up the Orange branch when he moved to the city a few years ago.
"I came across it when I was in Sydney very early on and was one of the first people to join what we call the growth room," he said.
"It allows guys to come in and share in a non-judgemental place. They go on a journey for at least nine months together, if not longer."
Orange's growth room was set up nearly two years ago and currently has about 12 men regularly attend meetings.
Mr Kane said it's more important now than ever to focus on mental health.
"Particularly in the past three or four months with the suicides that have happened in Orange, it's horrific and there is absolutely the need," he said.
"The toughest job is convincing blokes they have a problem. Second is getting them to think they need to do something about it and third is the hardest, hardest thing and one of the bravest things a guy can do.
"That is to take positive steps forward and step into a room, be it the growth room or seeing a councillor or talking to their friends."
Mr Campbell is one such person who took those steps a year-and-a-half ago when he realised he needed some help.
"I was having some challenges with my personal life, just managing home and work life balance and juggling the stress of the two," he said.
"Absolutely it's helped. I've brought along other friends and family and shared how well it works for me."
Meetings are held once every month at Pinnacle Physio and you can register online.
Right now they just have the one group who meets, but are hoping as more men come forward that the number will grow.
"In a nutshell, the time to really combat men's mental health and suicide prevention is now, the time is always now," Mr Campbell said.
"I would advise people not to put things off and just rip the Band-Aid off. The sooner you do it, the sooner you can learn skills and tools to control your emotions and thoughts.
"Targeting young people is the challenge. Getting the young guys that are going to the pub and hitting the piss and suppressing all their emotions, that's the group we really need to get hold of."