TOMNET Telegraph ‘ older men supporting older men’ November 2014 223 Hume St Toowoomba QLD 4350 | (07) 4638 9080 | [email protected] | www.tomnet.org.au F or men living in care facilities, the opportunity to gather for a monthly meeting in the facility with older men including TOMNET Volunteers is a welcome inclusion in their lives. Bonding takes place among the facility men and friendships with the TOMNET Volunteers are formed. This gives all men involved a sense of belonging and even a purpose for living. The extent of loneliness and isolation men experience in relation to their physical, mental, emotional and social health, is significant. This is equally a matter of importance for those men in an aged care facility who have people largely women - and activity all around them but nonetheless feel lonely and isolated in the proverbial crowd. The benefits of visiting men in aged care facilities include: Increased social opportunities for lonely or isolated men Opportunity to share personal stories and hear from others Achievement of new goals and motivation to get up in the morning and be active. Those attending the men’s group are generally similar to many Members of TOMNET who are either in care themselves or living in the wider community. These men possess remarkable knowledge and wisdom gained over the years. Every man has a unique story and it is the man behind the story who shares it with others, who has something to offer and leaves a legacy for those who follow. Source: Forming Men’s Groups in Residential Care Facilities 2012 Page 2 Men at Work Group with Lloyd Enkelmann T OMNET has been described as a “community of conversation”. It is where men are able to talk – and listen and learn. There are various meetings, social activities where members can find a niche. There are also “Men at Work” (MAW) groups where personal and other issues can be discussed in a confidential, safe and nonjudgmental environment. This is difficult to find in the wider community. The foundation membership of eight men in 2001 was actually a prototype of our current MAW groups. The groups are being regenerated as a high priority more recently in TOMNET as a reason for being. While social activities and having fellowship with mates at meetings are important, there remains a need for men to openly share their life experiences, benefiting others as well as themselves. Everyone has a story, for better or for worse. We’re all in the same boat; and pulling together, not rowing upstream river alone can make a huge difference to everyone concerned. So why are MAW groups so important? They provide opportunity for men to identify issues, find expression of thoughts and feelings and appreciate links between our emotions and intellect. Rather than “reinvent the wheel” I have borrowed a list of advantages of men-only groups from Dr Lawrence Peltz: Support, caring and friendship among men. Facing and working on restrictive and destructive aspects of the male gender role (e.g challenging the idea that emotional sensitivity equals weakness). Elimination of distraction and competition to impress women. Opportunity to learn supportive roles usually filled by women in mixed groups. Greater ease in discussing difficult issues (e.g men’s health, property settlement etc.) Attention to unfinished business with our fathers and contemplation of the ways we have related to significant men in our lives. Attention to our roles as fathers (and grandfathers) Working through divorce (and separation) issues. Other advantages include: examination of masculine-associated characteristics, such as competitiveness, aggressiveness and independence. Greater ease in exposing vulnerability. (Sufficient male support allows men to address issues of dependency, doubts and worries about innermost feelings, fears about individuation, separation from significant others and similar issues). Safe environment to explore issues of psychological abandonment and rejection. Male friendship, the development of non-sexual intimacy between members (meaningful mateship). I have said on many occasions that MAW does not invite you to take up your pick and shovel from the shed. It is an opportunity to work with others to establish and maintain better health and well-being for yourself and other men. Next Meeting: 14th November St Bartholomew’s Church - in the grounds of Symes Thorpe Nursing Home (entry off Stenner St) from 10 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. All discussions are strictly confidential. LOURDES INJUNE PITTSWORTH FREEDOM SALEM ‘Just for Older Blokes’ Workshop T OMNET is hosting a 'Just For Older Blokes' Workshop on the 21st of November, featuring local guest speakers discussing topics relevant for older blokes and also industry representatives. A delicious catered lunch will be provided at a fantastic venue. Organiser Gary James explains: "After the success of last year’s workshop, we were approached by several local organisations to conduct another workshop. How could we say no? The workshop will feature several local organisations as well as Burstows’ Liz Bamford, who will discuss the stages of grief and loss". This free workshop will be conducted at the DPI Conference Centre on Tor St, starting at 8.30 a.m. and finishing at 1.00 p.m. with lunch provided for attendees. Places are limited and are filling up very fast, so if you are considering attending, contact Gary at the TOMNET Centre on 4638 9080. 21st November, 203 Tor Street (DPI), 8:30am – 1:00pm, catered lunch provided Out and About with TOMNET Members Page 3 2014 2014 12 noon following the AGM 11.00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. President’s Room City Golf Club, South St Members and their partners are welcome $10.00 per person (NO refunds after 3rd December) Please RSVP and pay for your seat/s before Monday 1st December by contacting the TOMNET Centre 07 4638 9080 [email protected] Page 5 NUBEENA PITTSWORTH CROWS NEST Men at Work 14th November The Men at Work group helps men to deal with unresolved life issues. St Bartholomew’s Church in the grounds of Symes Thorpe Nursing Home (entry off Stenner St) from 10 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. All conversations are strictly confidential. There is no cost. Blokes in Aged Care facilities welcome TOMNET visitors GOONDIWINDI WESTHAVEN TOMNET ON WEDNESDAYS St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Hall, Cnr Phillip & James Streets 1.30 p.m. until 3.30 p.m. Light Afternoon Tea provided. 5th November 100th Anniversary WW1 Rod Mc Lean 12th November Music Day TOMNET Minstrels 19th November Have a Chat 26th November Member organised 3rd December Aged Care visits are a worthwhile opportunity to provide friendship and conversation with men living in aged care facilities. Importance of Quick Action Consider donating two hours of your time each month; your visit will be appreciated. Quick Action is required in any emergency situation. Call the TOMNET Centre to join a team. Dates (November & December) Member organised TOMNET is committed to ensuring the safety of ALL members whilst they are participating in activities. The procedure for ALL Emergencies: Westhaven: High Care Residential December - no Meeting Salem Monday 1st (11.30 am) (Dec) Nubeena Tuesday 11th (10 am) (Nov) Freedom Wednesday 19th (10 am) (Nov) Yukana Monday 24th (2.00 pm) (Nov) Lourdes Thursday 27th (11.30 am) (Nov) Assess the situation Call an Ambulance 000 Follow all instructions from the operator. Do not move person until instructed by ambulance. NUBEENA DALBY CROWS NEST MITCHELL WESTHAVEN Page 6 TOMNET interest groups Cards Railway Group Cards are played on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. at the TOMNET Centre. Play gets underway when there are enough players - usually around 9 a.m. Regular players love to teach new members if inexperienced. Just turn up to play. On the 2nd Monday of each month the Railway Group meet at the TOMNET Centre. Discussions revolve around life on the railways and current railway news. Please contact Noel Hannant for more information on 4633 0052. Art Group TOMNET Minstrels There are many reasons for members to be involved with the Art group - friendship, support and to learn a new skill or improve an existing one. The Art group are having a break at the moment, stay tuned for more information in future newsletters. The TOMNET Minstrels meet every 2nd Tuesday. Contact Perry Goebel or Frank Mann for more information. Frank can be contacted at the TOMNET Centre on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Chess Photography Chess matches are available for members on Wednesday mornings. From learners to chess masters you will find a game here. No equipment is needed, just turn up and play. The photography group will meet again on the 14th November from 12.30 p.m. Bring your own gear and talk shutters, lenses, favourite subjects and techniques. The group has commenced field trips, so please contact Klaus Merretz for more information on 0409 267 357. Chew The Fat Every Thursday morning from 8.30 a.m. members start arriving to setup the TOMNET Centre for the “Chew the Fat” session. Members share life stories, a few jokes, and have serious and not so serious conversations on topics ranging from their younger years, current challenges and anything in-between. Each week, around 30 blokes support each other in many different ways including talking, friendship, sharing and listening. Why not join the “Chew the Fat” crew each Thursday from 8.30 a.m. at the TOMNET Centre, all are welcome. Tomnet Health Register – dob in a mate A register is pinned to the TOMNET Centre noticeboard for Members to write the details of any Members they know who are sick or in need of a phone call or visit. If you know of a Member who is sick or not travelling so well, ask if he wants his details put on the noticeboard to be contacted by other concerned Members. Please Note: Members must agree to have their information shared to be placed on the board. Page 7 Special General Meeting Decisions O n October 8th 2014, 52 Members attended the special general meeting held to discuss constitutional changes. The changes considered were: 1. The Executive of the Management Committee to be elected for a four year team, an ordinary Member will be elected for a two year term. All positions to be declared vacant at the AGM, therefore all Members will be receiving ballot papers in the mail from 7th November 2014. 2. The need to renew your membership annually to be abolished. Once you become a member, you will remain a member for life, unless you resign. These changes were voted in unanimously, and create positive change for the organisation moving forward. FREE Bowel Cancer Awareness and Ostomy Lifestyle Day When: Where: What: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. City Golf Club Toowoomba, 254 South St The FREE event will feature information and talks on: Bowel Health and prevention You and your family Local and national support Screening and diagnosis Don’t miss out on seeing Bowel Cancer Australia’s GIANT inflatable bowel and information stands throughout the day! Contact Claire Condon, Health Promotion Officer for the Queensland Bowel Cancer Screening Program on 4616 6848 for more information. Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service BUNDABERG PITTSWORTH CROWS NEST GOONDIWINDI MILLMERRAN Page 8 Laurie’s Larfs Yes, I know a Pun is the lowest form of humour, but some of these are quite clever..... An invisible man marries an invisible woman. The kids were nothing to look at either. A man woke up in a hospital after a serious accident. He shouted, 'Doctor, doctor, I can't feel my legs!' The doctor replied, 'I know you can't - I've cut off your arms!' I went to a seafood disco last week...and pulled a mussel. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fish. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. The one turns to the other and says, 'Dam!' Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him....... A super-calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis. That is SO good, but I bet you're groaning!!! Da Bee Man Our Solar Panel Story R ecently we decided to install solar panels at our residence. We have been conned and I thought I’d advise you, so that, if you are thinking of installing solar, you won’t be taken for a ride as we were. In our initial investigations we were told by two companies that we needed a 3 kw system with 12 panels to cover our current account. After some investigation and consideration we decided, upon the company advice, on installing a 5 kw system with 16 panels to cover for any increase in our account. Such a system cost us a little less than $10,000.00. Well we’ve received our first account from Ergon Energy and to say we were shocked was an understatement. Out of a total account of $416.17 we received a solar rebate of $77.07 leaving an amount or $339.09 owing. We have taken this up with many avenues and despite many explanations and excuses, the upshot is “don’t rock the boat - tuff luck – just pay it”. Looking at the account we would need some 80 odd panels on our roof just to break even. Interestingly enough Ergon Energy told us that installation of solar on homes would never cover the electricity used, at best, would only reduce the amount payable. Ergon Energy charge us 25-26 cents per kw and pay us 8-9 cents per kw for the electricity put back into the grid. So if you are considering installing solar, please think carefully and go into it with your eyes open. Should anyone wish to discuss this any further, I can be contacted on 07 46350236. Alan Yorkston – The opinions and advice expressed herein are my own personal opinion and advice and does not, in any way, reflect the opinion of TOMNET nor any other of its members. L ike to try some non-processed local honey? Terry Martin has a mate called “The Bee Man” who keeps bees and sells their honey. Terry is a regular at the TOMNET on WEDNESDAY meeting where you can find him if you would like to try some of this local honey. The Bee Man has agreed to donate some of the profits from the sale of his honey to TOMNET. Contact Terry at the Wednesday meeting to try some delicious local honey and help TOMNET. LOURDES SALEM WESTHAVEN FREEDOM YUKANA Page 9 Volunteer Community Care Programs V olunteers are integral to the work TOMNET does within the community. TOMNET Volunteers participate in several core programs which have been reviewed and reenergized to further enhance the great work the Organisation performs. These programs are outlined below and collectively our Volunteers contributed over 6352 formal hours of Volunteering last year. Core Community Care Programs: Members and peer support groups have a commitment to older men supporting older men. Therefore they adopt one of the following community care programs in their local communities, and adapt it to their needs. 1. Residential Aged Care Programs: a community care service that provides emotional and social peer support to male residents in aged care facilities, assisting them to deal with transition, loneliness, grief, and providing a sense of belonging. 2. Home Visitation Program: peer support Volunteers provide home visitation to isolated, at risk older men and carers in their homes with the aim of reducing social isolation, depression and risk of suicide. 3. Mentoring Program: trained mentors support and enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth, through the sharing of their skills, capacity and life experience of older men. 4. Peer Group Support Program: Peers Support Volunteers provide emotional and social support to new and established peer groups (e.g. rural, remote or urban groups) and for existing groups to assist ‘satellite’ groups to establish. 5. Member Support Program: Trained peer support Volunteers provide telephone support for members who are isolated and unable to attend regular TOMNET activities. To find out more information regarding the Core Community Care Programs please contact the TOMNET Centre on 4638 9080. December/January Dates 2014 Final Meeting Dates 2015 Meeting Dates December Dates January Dates TOMNET on Wednesday: 10th December, 2014 Christmas Party at City Golf Club Chew the Fat: 11th December, 2014 TOMNET on Wednesday: 14th January, 2015 Welcome to 2015 Barbecue Chew the Fat: 15th January, 2015 TOMNET Centre: The TOMNET Centre will be closed for a Christmas break from Wednesday 24th December, re-opening on Monday 5th January 2015. TOMNET Centre: There are no TOMNET Centre activities planned for the week 5th January to 12th January, 2015. PRINT POST PP100004/877 Postal Address: PO Box 7801 Toowoomba South Qld, 4350 Phone: 07 4638 9080 Fax: 07 4638 9084 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.tomnet.org.au www.oldermenhiddenhardships.com The 28 min DVD features the lives of six older blokes sharing their stories of hardship and personal struggles in an effort to highlight older men’s issues. To order your copy of the DVD, please contact the TOMNET Centre on (07) 4638 9080. Price: Members $5; Non-Members $10 POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA Winner, Best Documentary, Qld Multimedia Awards 223 Hume St Toowoomba QLD 4350 | (07) 4638 9080 | [email protected] | www.tomnet.org.au Major funding provided by: Newsletter printed by: Articles for the Telegraph must be received by the 3rd Monday of the month and may be edited. www.tomnet.org.au
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