Mental Health Support

Welcome to the Melbourne 40+ gay men support group! My name is Steven Cabral and I am a trained group facilitator and counsellor. The idea for this support group was born out of a gap in community service that I observed where mature aged gay men could share and relate to each other in midlife. I found that most of the services seem geared towards the younger generation and rightly so, but I feel there is a particular experience in middle age and onwards that needs to be honoured, supported, and acknowledged. As we transition into a different phase of life, we are faced with a different set of challenges. It is my belief, from my own experience, that some of these are directly, but not exclusively, tied to our sexuality and that can influence self-actualisation later in life in various ways. Some of us may be carrying trauma from a time where we weren't as readily accepted. This may be seeping through other areas of our life and affecting our beliefs of self-worth and love, completely unbeknownst to us. Some of us may be feeling alone at this phase in our lives because we didn't follow the well worn societal map followed by the majority; such as having kids and partners. As a result, we may feel alone in a peer groups or especially within our own families. Some of us may simply be struggling to navigate this new phase and all that it entails ranging from dating in middle age to bigger questions of how to find meaning and purpose in our lives. Some of us may be dealing with grief. If any of this resonates with you, then I want you to know that you are not alone. My hope for the group is that you feel a sense of belonging and shared experience. That, in of itself, can be extremely healing. The group is not a substitute for therapy, but a safe space to share and connect with others on a similar journey and to find and give inspiration. The group is specifically targeted to gay men who are aged 40+ due to the topics covered. Due to the limitations of the space and the need to keep it intimate, there is a maximum of 10 attendees. Venue: Sussex Neighbourhood House Inc. 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale VIC 3044 Date/Times: Once a month on Mondays 7:30pm - 9:00pm \*\* Door will be closed 5 mins after group starts so as not to disrupt the group. Booking a spot in group: If it is fully booked, please ALWAYS go on Wait List - the app automatically gives you a spot as soon as someone drops out. I will reminding RSVP'd attendees to change their RSVPs to *Not Going* if they are no longer going, so that those on the Wait List get their place. If you regularly don't show up and don't let me know - I will be in contact to see if there are any issues. Fees: $10.00 This purely to cover the cost of the venue where group is held as well as Meetup subscription. Guidelines: An opening creed will be read at the beginning of each group session. It is paramount though that ALL attendees feel safe, welcomed and respected at ALL times. The group acknowledges the traditional owners of the land and I'd also like to extend that acknowledgement to those with lived experience of mental health challenges. Thank you so much for reading this far - I look forward to meeting you in person. Remember, it only takes a baby step to start change. Please message me directly with any questions. Steven Cabral.

$29 per person for 2 hours of training (includes table hire) ## 🏓 MELBOURNE TABLE TENNIS COACHING @ MSAC Ready to seriously improve your table tennis — or finally start the right way? Join our **ongoing in-person group coaching sessions at MSAC**, where you’ll train in a structured but fun environment with players who come regularly, as well as new faces every week. Our sessions are designed for **both total beginners and advanced players.** You don’t need experience — and you won’t be bored if you already have it. ### What to expect * ✅ **10–15 players per session** * ✅ **2 experienced coaches on court** * ✅ **Structured drills + match play** * ✅ **Individual feedback based on your level and goals** * ✅ **A welcoming group that trains regularly** You’ll work on **technique, footwork, consistency, tactics, and real match situations** — not just hit balls randomly. We organise the group so everyone is challenged at the right level. ### Why people love these sessions * Ongoing training with a real community * Fast improvement, not just social play * A great way to **move, learn, and make friends** * Fun, supportive atmosphere with serious coaching behind it Whether your goal is to **learn from scratch, get fitter, sharpen your skills, or start competing**, this is a perfect place to train. ### What to bring * 🏓 **Bat/paddle** (if you have one — if not, we’ll provide it) * 👟 **Sports shoes (runners)** * 👕 **Comfortable sports clothes** * 💧 **Water bottle** * 🧴 **Small towel** Grab your paddle, bring your energy, and come hit with us at MSAC. Please send me an email to: p.tretinik@gmail.com to confirm attendance. This helps me to book enough table for a smooth session. NOTE: If this is not your first time coming to this meet up, the cost is $36 for the whole 2 hours.

Join Queer Meditation Melbourne for an evening of self-exploration and mindfulness in a safe and inclusive space. Start the event with a guided meditation session focused on promoting wellness, positive thinking, and spiritual growth. Connect with like-minded individuals from the LGBT community and enjoy meaningful conversations that nurture self-empowerment and consciousness. After the meditation practice, we will engage in social activities, promoting healthy living and dining out experiences. This event is designed for gay men and gay and lesbian friends who are looking to nurture their spiritual journey while building connections within the community. Come together to foster a sense of belonging and support each other in a space that celebrates diversity and self-care.

**Skeptics Cafe.** Vic Skeptics Pub Night - Third Monday of every month. Skeptics Café will be held in the Function Room at [The Stolberg Hotel](https://stolberg.com.au/), 197 Plenty Road, Preston. Each month, Victorian Skeptics hosts a social night in the pub. We get together for dinner, drinks and good conversation with like-minded individuals. We have a different speaker each month. Speaker and topic to be announced. **Start Time:** 6:00pm for dinner and a chat. 7:30pm for beginning of the talk. **[Vic Skeptics](https://vicskeptics.wordpress.com/events/)** \- \- **[Australian Skeptics](https://www.skeptics.com.au/)**

Read reviews from past participants [here](https://www.greenhousecreativesanctuary.com/inclusivegrief) “Grief has never been private, it has always been communal. Subconsciously, we are awaiting the presence of others, before we can feel safe enough to drop to our knees on the holy ground of sorrow. For the most part, grief is not a problem to be solved, not a condition to be medicated, but a deep encounter with an essential experience of being human. Grief becomes problematic when the conditions needed to help us work with grief are absent.” - Francis Weller Our primary association with grief is the loss of a loved one but there are so many kinds of losses that don't have formal ceremonies that are important to honour. Unprocessed grief can accumulate in weight, dulling our senses and capacity for aliveness. This is a safe, supportive space for all shapes, sizes and textures of grief- for the loss of our loved ones, for the childhood we did not get to have, for the parts of ourselves that have been rejected and exiled, for friendships and relationships with ambiguous endings, for homes and communities we are distanced from and miss, for the suffering of the world and our fellow beings. This inclusive grief circle is also an advocacy for compassionate and attentive grief work, for reshaping our understanding of and relationship with grief. It is a holding space, a container, a time and a deep permission to acknowledge our emotions, our connections, the ways we have been touched and transformed, and our humanity. We will make art in response to the Grief Deck, share and witness each other’s stories and journeys, and co-create a group nature mandala together. **Please bring a jar and 8-10 similar natural objects (8 flowers or 8 sticks or 8 stones).** If you are facing financial hardship, please key in CONCESSION as a promo code for a discounted price of $25. If that is still difficult, please email me at greenhouse.arttherapy@gmail.com. No one will be turned away. **Please also note:** * This is an art-therapy informed community-based creative workshop, and is not intended to replace individual or group therapy, and is also not for emergency crisis support or intervention. * If you are comfortable with me taking photos of you and/or your artwork for learning and supervision purposes, and to offer others a sense of what the workshop is like, please let me know at the start of the session. Your participation would be greatly appreciated! * While the estimated time is 2 hours, it might overrun depending on the size of the group and the conversations we are having so please allow some grace for that.

Family can be a source of deep joy, belonging and connection. It can also be a site of pain, grief, tension and complexity. Many of us carry experiences that are difficult to navigate or make sense of, especially on our own. This is a space and time where what you’re carrying can be gently held and supported through the creative process, conversation, and being witnessed alongside others on a similar journey. We will begin by arriving together, with a short guided meditation and introduction. We will then have some quiet time to explore through creative expression. This could look like making marks, painting, tearing, cutting, writing, moving or simply sitting. You are welcome to engage in any way that feels right and needed for you. Afterwards, we will open up the space for a guided conversation but sharing is optional- you can speak, ask questions, listen or just be present. Materials are provided but please feel free to bring your own. No creative experience or skill required at all. If you are facing financial hardship, please key in CONCESSION as a promo code for a discounted price of $25. If that is still difficult, please email me at [greenhouse.arttherapy@gmail.com.](http://greenhouse.arttherapy@gmail.com./) No one will be turned away. **Please also note:** * This is an art-therapy informed community-based support group, and is not intended to replace individual or group therapy, and is also not for emergency crisis support or intervention. * If you are comfortable with me taking photos of you and/or your artwork for learning and supervision purposes, and to offer others a sense of what the workshop is like, please let me know at the start of the session. Your participation would be greatly appreciated!

All are welcome to our Renew Wellbeing space * Where it's OK, not to be OK Join us for activities like table tennis, arts, crafts, board games and more. Come along and make [friends...come](http://friends...come/) and be part of our friendly group. A shared space run by the community for the community! Thursday 12.30pm excluding school holidays In the Church back hall

**Details** Support groups for individuals with OCD and their families this meeting will be online for the Mental Health Foundation Australia. Join online and gain support from others with OCD in the comfort of your own home at 6:30pm on the third Tuesday of each month. **Facilitator** Facilitating the OCD support groups is Jim, a dedicated community support worker with expertise in mental health. Jim brings his experience and knowledge to guide the group discussions and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. **Benefits of OCD Support Group** Support groups for individuals with OCD and their families provide an avenue for comfort, safety, and mutual support. These groups offer participants the opportunity to connect with others who understand their experiences and challenges. Additionally, the support groups serve as a valuable platform for learning more about OCD and its impact. Participants can gain insights into the disorder, its symptoms, and effective coping strategies through shared experiences and discussions. This knowledge empowers individuals to better manage their condition and navigate their daily lives. To register your attendance and to join the meeting please see: [https://supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/ocd-support-group ](https://supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/ocd-support-group) For other MHFA support groups please see: [https://supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/](https://supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/) If you need any further information feel free to contact us at supportgroup@mhfa.org.au

Depression, Anxiety, Stress and worry are real concerns when we consider mental health. What causes the overwhelming sadness, the insomnia, the frightening panic attacks, the lack of energy, the mental fatigue and nervousness experienced by so many people. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/8/1/0/600_459310256.jpeg Even a temporary state of stress can affect our ability to reason and result in actions or decisions that have disastrous long-term results. What is it that is holding you back and stops you from being YOU? Quality of life depends so much on mental health. People desire happiness but authentic happiness is often short-lived. Sometimes only a dim memory from childhood. Children are known for their ability to find joy in the simplest of things. What is it that affects a person's ability to experience true happiness? The Circumstances are the same, but the person no longer responds with positive emotions. Instead he or she may have a persistent gnawing anger, fear or sadness that depresses the consciousness and brings the person to reliance on pills or alcohol. The change may be gradual, occurring slowly over many years or it can be sudden, triggered by a traumatic stress such as the death of a loved one or a broken heart. The answer to these problems has been searched for for thousands of years but the problem appears to getting worse, with the rates of depression and suicide climbing alarmingly. Very few lives remain unaffected either directly or indirectly by these modern scourges. Could it be that the modern "treatments" and "solutions" to these problems are actually making things worse? That could only occur if the people developing and using these "treatments" did not know the true underlying reason for these problems. Today's meetup topic is based on Dianetics, The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard We will discuss the underlying reason for depression, anxiety, fear, nervousness, unhappiness, phobias and many other unwanted emotions and reactions as revealed and is fully explained in L. Ron Hubbard's book Dianetics. Life can become fun again, just like it was when you were a child. Hard to Believe? Well don't believe - find out for yourself and then you will KNOW. You have the opportunity to have all your questions answered. Nothing in Dianetics has to be true for you unless you have observed it and it is true according to your own observation. Today's meetup enables you to make your own observations. Make this go right for you, RSVP yes and ensure you attend this meetup. Know Yourself, Know Life! Tanja This Event is educational only and not to diagnose, treat or cure mental health issues. Attend our Meetup's at our scheduled Meetup times or visit Scientology at Ascot Vale at any time best suited to you. We are open 7 days each week. Alternatively visit our Network TV channel at www.scientology.tv You will be able to find out facts and why it is that people from all walks of life including many business owners use Scientology tools to improve. This group consist our of many religions including those with no faith (Atheist) All people of goodwill are welcomed.

Turn Anxiety and Depression into Happiness! Become your natural self again. Discover the drug-free way to a healthy mind. This educational talk is based on the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by New York Times bestseller author L. Ron Hubbard. Dianetics is an exact science of the mind. In this educational talk you will learn about the hidden source of all irrational thoughts and behavior as well as unwanted emotions (anxiety, fear, depression, apathy) and how to handle them forever. Free entry and free parking. Please send messages to host if you have any question.

Join us at Docklands Sports Courts for a FREE fun-filled Walking Football Mixed Gender Session, brought to you by Walking Football 4 Health Victoria. This event is designed for anyone looking for a low impact sport to stay active, be part of a welcoming community, and most importantly have fun. Our friendly host, Nandini, will be there to introduce you to walking football, ensuring a safe and engaging experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage in sports, socialise, and promote a healthy lifestyle in a welcoming community environment. There is no cost for this program. Sign up now and be a part of this exciting Walking Football Session. If you wish to contact the organiser, Mick directly, you can do so on: 0430 163 550 Email: info@wf4hvictoria.org.au Website: [Walking Football | Walking Soccer | Walking Football 4 Health](https://wf4hvictoria.org.au/) Facebook: [Walking Football 4 Health Victoria Group | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/wf4healthvictoria)

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.

This is an in-person meeting. At this meeting you will get answers to depression and anxiety. Find out the source of them and how to get rid of them. Did you know that unwanted emotions like anxiety, depression, unhappiness, loneliness, hopelessness, anger, fear, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not due to a chemical imbalance in your brain from some nebulous chemical reaction "by chance". Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio and Church of Scientology of Central Ohio.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Why are we unhappy? Where does emotional pain come from? Studies show that people who suffer from long-term emotional pain have painful experiences in their lives that were never fully resolved in their mind. In other words, there were issues in the past that were not completely dealt with. This can include abuse in childhood, breakups, divorce, death of a loved one, to name a few. How do you know whether you have gotten over something painful? Here is an easy test: Do you still have attention on what had happened to you? For instance, do you still find yourself thinking about something painful that you went through? If you are, then you are not over it. In fact, in severe cases, people find themselves playing a "tape" in their mind over and over again. So how do you heal from your past? How do you stop the "tape" playing in your mind? In this meeting, you will learn a technique to help you with that. Come join us! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.