Lower Earley Salvation Army hosts breakfast for men. It provides support and connection. Mental health stigma is addressed.
Keith Vertigan and Darren Early lead this event. Roelof Vermeulen also helps. They are church members. It happens every second Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM.
The breakfast has become important. Many different men in the area attend. It started small for men’s mental health. Now, 18 men go regularly.
Only four attendees are church members. Councillor Mike Smith attends, too. He is the Mayor of Earley Town and goes as a man seeking connection.
Vermeulen said it’s more than coffee. It offers a listening ear and helps with life’s burdens. He believes it heals pressure, and healthy men build stronger homes.
Vermeulen enjoys seeing different men, and the mayor shows they all need connection. They can be themselves there, free from outside distractions.
They cook together, play games, and guests speak about various topics. They also do indoor bowls and quizzes. The main focus is on conversation.
Open talk and support exist. The goal is to end mental health stigma. It affects the men in the community.
Mayor Smith likes this program. He says the community needs more of these, showing the power of social support. He enjoys meeting people and has been to three events.
The mayor says it makes companionship happen. Conversations occur across Earley. He likes hearing the different speakers.
The Salvation Army helps Lower Earley. They offer support and welcome people. They create connections for families, making the area stronger.