By BRIDGET COOK
PEARCEDALE’S Rohan Simmons wants to make a change to the macho culture of Aussie men in which it’s common for them to bottle feelings up rather than talk about their emotions.
That is why he runs a monthly men’s support group from his home where men get together to openly share their feelings and problems in a non-judgmental environment.
Mr Simmons said since starting the group last year, he’s had such a great response that he wants to expand the concept and start a cultural change in Australian men.
“I’m passionate about changing the whole culture of men and how we do things,” he said.
“The group is about giving men the environment where they feel it’s OK to share from their heart and express their feelings.
“It gives men permission to share how they are feeling in front of other men without fear of being judged and hear other stories to show that they are not alone.
“It also aims to give them the tools to be centred and how to live in the present and not worry about the future and problems in the past.”
Mr Simmons’s wife, who is a life coach and mentor, runs similar events for women.
He said the idea for the men’s group came about following a three-day event his wife hosted last year.
“She asked me to speak on stage about how men feel when their wife is stepping and achieving her purpose in life and how it affects them,” he said.
“It was a really emotional and raw talk and after it I had all these women come up to me and said they now understood how their husband was feeling.
“Over the weekend, a lot of the women spoke to their husbands and felt like they had connected to them better once they felt they could open up.
“I felt like there really needed to be a group where men could talk about these challenges and emotions.
“Since starting these groups, I’ve had great feedback from men and women about how it’s changed their relationships for the better.”
Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said he supported the group.
“I think it’s really important for men to relax and communicated and support each other,” he said.
“I believe men have come a long way through positive programs such as this to overcome and avoid mental health problems.”
Mr Simmons encouraged any men who wants to join the casual environment to call him on 0418 427 850 or email rohan@makefreedomyours.com.
The groups generally runs once a month on a Tuesday or Wednesday night.
