PAYCE Foundation supports the launch of Mendable in the Southern Highlands

Through a direct donation and support delivered via the Southern Highlands Community Foundation Grants Program, the PAYCE Foundation was proud to help bring men’s group Mendable to life.

PAYCE Foundation director Dominic Sullivan (second from right) with SHCF director Annebel White (far right) with the Mendable team.

Mendable, an intergenerational men’s group designed to address social isolation and strengthen mental wellbeing among men aged 18 and over across the Southern Highlands.

Mendable welcomes men from all walks of life to come together in a safe, accepting and non-judgemental space. The group fosters emotional wellbeing, builds genuine connection and creates a supportive community where men can share experiences, express feelings and support one another through life’s ups and downs.

For many participants, Mendable offers a rare opportunity to break through social isolation, feel seen and heard and strengthen bonds with peers, support that is sadly not easy for all men to find.

Why a group like Mendable matters

The need for initiatives like Mendable is clear.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 17 per cent of Australian men aged 15 and over reported experiencing social isolation in 2023, compared with 13 per cent of women.

Research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies shows that up to 25 per cent of Australian men will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder during their lifetime, with around 15 per cent affected in any given 12 month period.

AIFS research also highlights a strong link between loneliness and an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviours among men.

Data on social connectedness shows that around 4 per cent of adult men report having no close friends or relatives, while approximately a quarter report low levels of perceived social support or meaningful relationships.

Given these realities, community-based men’s groups like Mendable play a vital role. They provide a place where men can connect, feel supported, share openly and reduce the risk of drifting into isolation or despair.

Bob Tangey from Mendable said the idea grew from seeing a gap in support for men beyond their teenage years.

“After spending many years working in youth engagement, it became increasingly apparent there is a growing need to support men after the age of 18 to avoid them slipping through the cracks and struggling alone with social isolation and mental health

“Through Mendable, our goal is to invite people to belong, no matter who they are or what their struggles may be. We help them settle in and feel part of something bigger. It is the group members that make the group what it is. Each person brings their own life experience, personality and knowledge, which means the group learns and grows together.”

There is strong evidence that peer support groups like Mendable can provide regular, low cost and accessible assistance, particularly for men who may be less likely to seek formal mental health services. Just as importantly, they offer a trusted environment where members can ask for help, whether that is through a referral to professional support or simply a friendly ear.

“Mendable is a low pressure, casual environment,” Bob said. “There are no expectations. We are just a group of men getting together and enjoying good company, with self-directed activities along the way. It is a simple idea that can have incredibly positive and long-lasting outcomes.”

Mendable and projects like it have the power to build healthier lives and break harmful cycles for future generations. As the Mendable team says, prioritising mental health is not a weakness. It is a strength that helps men communicate better, connect with others and live longer, healthier lives.

Mendable has now been running for nine weeks and meets once a week on Fridays in Bowral for two hours. Sessions may involve working on small projects, sharing skills, visiting a local venue or simply having a coffee and a catch up. The group is led by its members and shaped by their interests and needs.