Men's Mental Health Funding Boost
- Christopher Smith
- May 21
- 2 min read
We're very happy to share the news of the new funding we have secured for new Men's Groups as reported in the Blue Mountains Gazette...
The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Housing, Homelessness, Mental Health and Youth, visited the Blue Mountains this week and met with CEO of Shared Reading NSW, Christopher Smith, and volunteer Shared Reading facilitators Juan Roberson and Howard Cox, to discuss the launch of a new initiative to tackle the pressing challenges of men's mental health in the region.
Local not-for-profit organisation Shared Reading NSW has successfully secured a grant to establish social reading groups specifically designed to support men’s mental health in the Blue Mountains. This initiative forms a crucial part of a comprehensive suicide prevention program introduced by the NSW State Government. The grant program is aimed at increasing mental health support for men and combating social isolation and loneliness.
"Discussing feelings can be a struggle for many men” said Mr Smith, “What’s great about our social Shared Reading groups is that participants can come, listen to a great story, and engage in meaningful conversations without the need to delve into personal details. They can explore feelings and reflect on life in a more comfortable way by talking about the challenges faced by the characters in the stories."
Shared Reading is an evidence-based practice also known as ‘social bibliotherapy’. Shared Reading is well established in the UK where research shows it is effective in reducing social isolation, improving mental health and strengthening communities. Shared Reading NSW has been pioneering the application of social bibliotherapy in Australia since 2014.
This new funding will be used to train male facilitators in the practice of Shared Reading so they can lead men’s groups across the Blue Mountains. Juan Roberson is a volunteer Shared Reading facilitator in Leura. "It’s an incredibly enjoyable experience; we often share hearty laughs during our sessions. The insights that emerge are remarkable." said Mr Roberson.
Howard Cox, a Shared Reading facilitator in Springwood said "The reading facilitates a natural sense of connection, making the experience relaxed and approachable. Participants are welcome to join even if they prefer not to speak."
Introducing Shared Reading groups dedicated to men is a significant leap forward for the organisation. "We have a proven track record of success with our mixed groups throughout the Blue Mountains” said Mr Smith “This funding provides an exciting opportunity to extend our work to support more local men, empowering them to connect and open up to one another."
Men who are interested in becoming a Shared Reading facilitator, or participating in a men’s group in the Blue Mountains can find out more by calling Christopher Smith on 0468 346 834 or emailing chris@sharedreadingnsw.com More information about Shared Reading and community groups currently running in the Blue Mountains can be found at www.sharedrading.org.au
For more information and inspiration from Shared Reading and our Life the Universe & Stories blog,
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