#238 Supporting Men's Mental Health (with Tim Fisk)

On this episode of Men, Sex & Pleasure, I chat with Tim Fisk from Complete Men.

If you're interested in supporting our men's mental health initiative Men, Mates and Mentors, check out the following links:

Website | Feb 24 Showcase | March 22 Event

Key points:

Tim's background and passion for men's work

Tim introduces himself as a 66-year-old man living on the Gold Coast, and shares how he became involved in the Complete Man Foundation and the Rights of Passage program, which focuses on supporting teenage boys and their families through rites of passage experiences. Tim is passionate about this work as it allows him to heal his own younger self and model healthy masculine behaviors.

The value of rites of passage and community support

Tim explains how the rites of passage program takes fathers and sons into the bush for several days, removing them from everyday distractions. This immersive experience allows the boys and fathers to bond, communicate openly, and learn from each other. The program also includes ongoing community support and check-ins after the retreat, which Tim sees as crucial for helping the participants integrate the insights and changes from the experience.

Tim's personal journey and the importance of men's groups

Tim shares his own struggles with suicidal thoughts and the importance of being able to open up and share vulnerably in men's groups. He contrasts this with unhelpful responses he received when reaching out for help in the past. Tim emphasizes the value of men's groups in providing a sense of belonging, lifelong friendships, and tools for personal growth and healing.

The Men, Mates and Mentors initiative

Tim discusses the upcoming Men, Mates and Mentors event, which aims to introduce men to various men's support organizations and programs in the local community. The goal is to provide men with exposure to different approaches to personal development and growth, while also ensuring they know where to turn if they need support in the future, even if they don't engage right away.

Closing thoughts and next steps

Tim and Cam wrap up the conversation, with Tim inviting Cam to volunteer with the rites of passage program. They discuss the vision for expanding the Men's Mates and Mentors initiative to other communities beyond the Gold Coast.