Once a month, men at Baptcare Wyndham Lodge Residential Aged Care community make a visit to the MCG – but it is no footy excursion.
This MCG is Men’s Chat Group. Volunteer Coordinator Keith Charlesworth says the gentlemen love coming together to share some food and plenty of banter.
“It is a relaxed place where men can be men and share whatever is on their mind,” Keith says. “There is a sense of camaraderie. Nobody hogs the limelight. There are very few guidelines, but the main one is that we are not there to judge others. Through the shared conversations, the men know that they are not on their own. The things that they might be feeling are sure to be shared by others.
“I have found over time that men will discuss things in small groups that they would not talk about in larger groups. It is a platform of equality for everybody, whether they want to participate in discussions or not.”
Last year the MCG with members of the Lifestyle and Volunteer teams made a trip to the Werribee RSL for a pot and a parma. Currently there is a relationship being established with Werribee Bowls Club and plans for some of the men to play bowls while others enjoy a barbecue beside the green.
“Wherever we can, we try to get our people rejoining the community that they themselves helped build,” Keith says. “We are passionate that everyone deserves choice and a fair go. MCG is part of that, and it’s going from strength to strength.”
“Our lifestyle programs cater for a wide range of interests, and as many residents as possible,” says Joyce Wanjiru Nyanjiru, Wyndham Lodge’s Residential Care & Services Manager.
“MCG is an important way for some of our male residents to build and maintain connections to each other and to the wider community. It is great for social outcomes and increases feelings of togetherness.”
Wyndham Lodge Residential Aged Care is a caring place where residents create new memories with new friends, share old memories with old friends, and live life on their own terms. For more information, call 13 22 78.
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