@Former-Member wrote:
...I didn't know that Peer Support existed before I became a volunteer at various mental health organisations. I really want more people to know about it because I've found it really beneficial for my own mental health to become a Peer Worker, and the people I have supported throughout my career have said Peer support really helped them in ways that other services can't.
I can defintiely relate to this! Being a peer support worker gave me such a strong sense of meaning and purpose, and hearing others stories gave me so many strategies I could bring into my life too.
It sounds like this is exactly what the Banksia Project does; empowers peers to support each other, but also provide the skills and training for men who want to take that next step to be a support to their communities. A lot like our amazing forums community!
@BanksiaProject You’ve mentioned that from your living and working experiences that you have been involved in designing services around the challenges of men, would you be able to elaborate a bit more on what some of the challenges that the Banksia Projects helps to address/provide support for?
Thanks for the question @Daisydreamer.
Firstly, we are dedicated to ensuring that our Growth Rooms do not represent a 'one size fits all' model. Whilst we have a framework, some safety measures and guidance for Participants and Facilitators, our programs are designed so that individuals from all walks of life can take the learnings and apply them to their own circumstances.
We do however see some common themes amongst men who are struggling that we try to address:
- Lack of mental health literacy - we provide educational modules (designed by clinicians) to pass on effective skills around mental health and wellbeing. A "Gym for the Mind" - places to get mentally fit and resilient, ideally before crisis.
- Social Isolation - Our Growth Rooms help men 'find their tribe'. A team of men who are supporting them authentically, for who they truly are, through life's ups and downs.
- Lack of authenticity - Growth Rooms are spaces for men to express whatever they are feeling without judgement. We want them to be able to be honest and open, without fear of judgement.
- Practice!! We want men to practice all of these things; skills, supporting others, authenticity and self-awareness.
Sorry for the long-winded response, but you asked! 
Welcome @greenpea 
Thank you for sharing. Knowing your son is struggling and is overseas must be so worrying for you.
Rosie93
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.