By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
SPENCER Wanklyn wasn’t the first person to notice how men didn’t speak to each other the way women did.
But he was someone who did something about.
He recognised the void, felt particularly by men in retirement, which became unbearable unless they learned how to talk about what they were going through.
In 2007, Spencer was pivotal in setting up the Older Men New Ideas (OMNI) discussion groups throughout Casey, assisted by friend and fellow volunteer John Doutch.
The OMNI group sessions – specifically for men aged over 50 and which meet in Narre Warren, Cranbourne East and Blind Bight as well as a range of other locations throughout Australia – allow older men the chance to address issues in their lives that may have increasingly become problematic.
“The isolation and loneliness most men experience, even in the company of others, is relieved by appearing from ‘behind the mask’ and letting go of the competition and fear developed from years in their workplace and its culture,” Spencer, who co-ordinates the Cranbourne East OMNI group, said.
“Many men acknowledge in their OMNI group, this is the first time in their lives they have experienced this new type of relationship with other men.
“Members have shown an increased interest in retirement, better communication and listening skills with family members, friends and others.”
The OMNI groups help men to address a mix of different issues, from dealing with the loss of a loved one to coping with retirement.
Spencer said involvement in OMNI, facilitated by leaders from the Council on the Ageing Victoria (COTA), reaps significant benefits for those involved.
“They feel a clear sense of direction and purpose in their lives,” he said.
“This then leads to a greater willingness to become involved in family and community events.
“Wives and others report improved companionship and reduced time spent in isolation.”
Spencer also helps others address this feeling of isolation through his involvement with the Casey-Cardinia Men’s Health Action Group, one of a growing number of local initiatives in the municipality which actively promotes better health.
The group, established in 2004, is a not-for-profit organisation relying on grants and fund-raising to operate.
For more information about the OMNI groups, contact John on 0431 844 833, or visit www.cotavic.org.au.
