Men's Grief Group Continues To Break Down Barriers

Men's Grief Support Group facilitators Joshua Hart, Rod Francisco and Nick Bennett are encouraging local men to seek support as the peer-led group prepares to resume in September. Photo source: Shutterstock

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By Chelsea Ravizza

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When three Mackay men launched the region's first dedicated Men's Grief Support Group earlier this year, they knew building trust would take time. Founded in February by Rod Francisco, Joshua Hart and Nick Bennett, the peer-led initiative was created to provide a safe, confidential space where men could talk openly about grief and loss without judgement.  

Several months on, Mr Francisco said the response from the community has confirmed the need for such a space, even if many men remain hesitant to take the first step.

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"The response has been notable, but men are appearing to be reluctant to engage, which is not surprising," he said.

"We have been contacted by men themselves, partners, families but there is a reluctance or apprehension on attending."

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Rather than seeing the hesitation as a setback, Mr Francisco said it reflects the challenges many men face when it comes to grief and asking for support.

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"There's a mix of issues and one of the worst is that men get told they don't grieve like women," he said.

"Grief is not a gender thing as we all grieve in different ways, and we all have different types of loss so it is about breaking down those barriers and creating a space where men can just chill and express themselves anyway they want. Sometimes just knowing you are not alone in this is all someone might need."

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While the group itself has only recently begun meeting, Mr Francisco said conversations outside the sessions have reinforced why the initiative matters.

"The moment when someone says 'this is needed' in a softer voice followed by silence. Then you know you are touching in the right places for the support this group can provide."

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He believes attitudes towards men discussing grief and vulnerability are beginning to shift, particularly in regional communities where expectations around masculinity can often discourage emotional openness.

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"There is a perception of immutable stoic strength in men in the regions when a lot of them, in my experience, just want an opportunity to be vulnerable and to be able to express themselves."

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Facilitating the group has also been a personal journey for Mr Francisco, who said one of the biggest lessons has been gaining a deeper understanding of his own grief.

With sessions set to resume in September, he hopes men who may be struggling silently will consider reaching out before deciding whether to attend.

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"Drop us a note when we post the session details," he said.

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"We can always have a chat beforehand so there is no need to go in cold."

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The Men's Grief Support Group is a free, peer-led initiative facilitated by volunteers and offers a confidential space for men to share, listen or simply be around others who understand the experience of loss. To find out more, contact Mr Francisco via emailing rod_francisco@hotmail.com.

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