Men in Cobar and Coonamble have good chances of sharing a meal over a Men's Table in their area. 

Western NSW Regional Men's Table Host Al Stratton is looking to establish a space where men meet monthly and are encouraged to share their feelings over a meal with a small number of other participants in these areas. 

"Our motto is to go beyond banter. We don't just talk about the footy scores," Mr Stratton said.

"We talk about what's happening in our lives on a personal and deep level.

"They can hear from the experiences of other men and feel vulnerable which is really unique," he said.

 Al Stratton is a participant of the Men's Table himself. Photo supplied

In 2023, there were 2,419 men who committed suicide in Australia, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 

"I think isolation is definitely a challenge, particularly for people in rural communities out on farms and properties," Mr Stratton said. 

Participants are required to maintain a level of confidentiality.

"People do gossip and we don't want the men's table to become a point where people are talking about each other's business." 

On average the Men's Table only hosts around eight participants at a time. 

Mr Stratton said they try to keep the participation numbers below twelve to preserve the intimacy. 

"Once you get a larger group, some people become a little more hesitant to share," Mr Stratton said. 

He has been joining the Men's Table as a participant for the past three years. 

"It's been really helpful for me personally. That's what inspired me to get other tables started," Mr Stratton said. 

The Men's Table has been around since 2011 when founder Beb Hughes held a dinner with the intention of connecting with other men. 

Eight tables already exist in NSW including in Orange, Bathurst, Mudgee, Dubbo, Parkes, and Canowindra. 

Mr Stratton is looking to partner with local men's and women's health organisations to expand the opportunities available.

"Women are one of the best referrers. They're pretty much responsible for getting half of the participants to the Men's Table," Mr Stratton said. 

If you feel you are struggling with any of the topics mentioned in this article, contact the crisis support services below. 

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• Kids Helpline (for young people aged 5 to 25 years): 1800 551 800
• National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline: 1800 250 015