AN INNOVATIVE not-for-profit organisation bringing men together to form friendships and improve their mental health is looking to establish itself in Cooma.

Men's Table, which began in 2011 when a group of men decided to have dinner with the intention of having a place to connect with other men and talk about the highs and lows of their lives, is a national organisation that is all about men serving men.

It consists of a number of 'tables' which meet once a month for dinner and conversation and there are no membership fees.

The tables are supported by the Kitchen (central office) and trial events known as entrees are held in various areas to ascertain interest in hosting a table.

"It is a simple concept but it works," organiser, Michael Collins, said.

Mr Collins has been in Cooma in recent weeks to meet local community leaders and ascertain interest in a Cooma and region Men's Table.

"Men's Table is about men meeting once a month ever since to talk, laugh and share about what’s going on for them, and forge meaningful relationships based on trust and acceptance of each other," Mr Collins said.

"Belonging to a Men’s Table contributes to mental, emotional and social wellbeing whilst being a powerful support to individual members travelling their life journeys."

Mr Collins said each Table was distinct and had its own personality, guided by the fundamentals of the organisation.

"These are practical guidelines drawn from the experience of existing tables," he said.

"We need four hosts to take it on and we help get it going. There are no minutes, a light structure, just making space to listen and talk."

Mr Collins said some funding had been made available through the Snow Foundation for him to visit the area to see if there is interest and appetite in setting up a Cooma Men's Table.

"We need 16 guys to hold an entree."

Mr Collins described the Men's Table as a community building initiative for men who might be fine right now, but perhaps needed to have in place a longer term plan for their own well being.

"A lot of fellows come to us looking for connection. There are other men's organisations, but some are about promoting businesses and don't have a space for men to talk to each other about personal issues," he said.

"After the initial meeting, local councils were coming asking us to get something going in Sydney and by 2020 we had bushfire funding to set up the Berry Table just after the bushfires."

Men's Table is aimed at men between their 30s to 70s.

One of 15 employees in eight states and territories, Wollongong-based Mr Collins supported the growth of Berry and Wollongong, then was asked to visit the South Coast and Snowy Valleys to host a regional Southern NSW and ACT event.

Prior to taking on the role, he worked in financial super management, hedge funds, spent 14 years in London, 14 years in Africa, but has a passion for helping men.

"We need to raise the voice of community, empower stronger communities for men to help themselves, provide greater support to others and a greater willingness to support the community," he said.

"It is different to Men's Shed which does social connection but not necessarily provokes different conversation.

"We have no fixed rules, other than that everyone speaks once before anyone gets to speak twice.

"Confidentially is the second golden rule. We encourage guys to share from the heart, celebrate the good stuff."

"If men are really troubled, the Kitchen has referral services."

Anyone interested in being part of The Men's Table or keen to keep abreast of future gatherings can email hello@themenstable.org

www.themenstable.org