November 19 marks International Men’s Day – a day dedicated to celebrating the positive value that men bring to the world, their families, and communities. This year’s theme is ‘Positive Male Role Models’, which seeks to highlight the importance of recognising and celebrating the positive male role models in our lives. The day also serves as a reminder of the discrimination that men can face, particularly when we consider the societal attitudes and expectations that exist about men.
In honour of International Men’s Day, Volunteering Queensland wanted to spotlight Circle of Men, an incredible organisation dedicated to improving the wellbeing of men in Brisbane and Redland City. The current Secretary is Brisbane man Kevin James, who was forced to retire ten years ago due to a chronic health condition. As a result, he found himself challenged with rebuilding social connections and making a new life for himself outside the full-time workforce.
In early 2016, Kevin was fortunate enough to meet Washuntara Roberts, co-founder of Circle of Men in Redland City, and came to realise he was far from alone. Through the late musician, he soon came to realise that isolation is an all-too-common problem faced by elderly men in Aged Care Facilities around Australia, many of whom have fewer options for social interactions as time passes by.
Circle of Men, a not-for-profit charity, was established to address that. Currently, there are 17 selected Aged Care Facilities throughout the Redlands area, and parts of Brisbane south, where male volunteers run 90-minute weekly companionship sessions.
The Mission of Circle of Men is to “Help create an environment for the wellbeing and happiness of men in aged care facilities.”
Sessions begin with the men forming into a circle, where they are warmly welcomed by volunteers. Often this is by touch, be it a handshake or a hand on the shoulder, or sometimes through voice and eye contact. An experienced Volunteer Facilitator then leads a “How are you going?” check in, typically dealing with issues such as depression, grief, anger, loss, boredom, or fear. The meetings often close with everyone having a great time cracking jokes, reminiscing & singing songs.
Kevin encourages more men to come along and join them, as the work of Circle of Men is doubly rewarding. Volunteers get back in return as much as they give, with positive mental health benefits for both Residents and volunteers alike.
Many men enter an Aged Care Facility as a last resort, after they’ve lost their health, mobility and final network of support, and for 90 minutes each week, Circle of Men volunteers break through that wall of isolation.
The results are clear: in between meetings, some male Residents have taken up the habit of visiting with other men not mobile enough to leave their rooms. Which is concrete proof of the success and power of the program to rejuvenate and reconnect the elderly with their peers.
Circle of Men is always recruiting new and passionate volunteers. In particular, the organisation is currently looking for additional help on the southside of Brisbane. This includes Sunnybank Hills (at present, Kevin James is the only person facilitating activities at this venue), Mt Gravatt East, Holland Park, Coorparoo, Chelmer, and Yeronga. If you are interested in volunteering, looking for a way to meet new and like-minded people, or simply enjoy a chat, a volunteer role with this organisation could be the perfect fit.
Circle of Men is a wonderful example of the positive impact that men can have in our community. Every volunteer within the organisation is proof of the importance of positive male role models. Without the work of Kevin and the other keen volunteers, many men in aged care would not receive the invaluable companionship that Circle of Men provides.
Happy International Men’s Day to all of the wonderful men that make our world what it is. We are so lucky to have you!
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