JOEL PILGRIM WRITES: At times I feel lonely. It feels hard to admit that, but after 15 years working in mental health, I know exactly what that disconnection can do to us. When my young family and I moved to the Coast, I had to start again socially. New beaches, new coffee shops, new neighbours.
I was a young dad trying to meet people but let’s face it, by the time you hit your 30s or 40s, people usually have their circles set. Cracking into those can feel impossible.
And for men, it can be tough. We’ve been conditioned to tough it out, to go it alone, to be fine when we’re not. Yet the truth is, mateship isn’t just a feel-good extra, it’s essential for our wellbeing.
WHY MATESHIP MATTERS
Dr Zac Seidler, Movember’s Global Director of Men’s Health Research, puts it powerfully, ‘Connection isn’t just nice to have for men – it’s a lifeline. The men who maintain strong social networks live longer, healthier lives.’
It’s time we treat catching up with mates, joining a group, or being part of a community as just as important as going to the gym. It’s time we built that social and mental muscle too.
THE COAST ADVANTAGE
Here on the Central Coast, we’re spoilt for choice. Forty-one beaches, 10 national parks, countless community halls and sporting clubs – it’s a playground for connection. The challenge is often not what’s out there but knowing where to start. Here’s a handful of groups I’ve come across that are doing great things for men’s wellbeing on the Coast.
The Fellaship Men’s Group
Ex-NRL player Luke Grant started this community to help blokes build strength and resilience through group training and recovery sessions.
‘We empower men to transform their health, mindset and lifestyle, creating stronger bodies, clearer minds, and better lives,’ says Luke.
I still remember rocking up to my first Fellaship morning, way before the sun was up. I didn’t know a soul. I don’t know which was harder, the 4.30 am alarm, the ice bath or remembering everyone’s
names! I walked away from that first session with two blokes’ numbers and plans to surf that weekend.
instagram.com/fellaship
Terrigal Ocean Swimmers
If you’ve ever walked past Terrigal Beach at sunrise, you’ve probably spotted them; dozens of locals diving into the ocean together. Terrigal Ocean Swimmers meet each week – rain or shine – for morning swims that are equal parts fitness and friendship. There’s nothing quite like starting your day with saltwater, laughter and a few hundred metres between the flags.
facebook.com/groups/496341621316639
Walk It Off
Simple idea, with a big impact. Every Wednesday at 5 pm, a group of men and women meet at Terrigal Haven and walk it out together.
It’s free, it’s friendly and it’s about moving side-by-side while talking through life’s ups and downs. The pace is whatever you make it – sometimes brisk, sometimes slow, always supportive.
facebook.com/WalkItOffAustralia
The Men’s Table
A meal, a table and honest conversation. That’s it. The Men’s Table runs monthly dinners across the Central Coast (Doyalson, Kincumber, Bateau Bay and more), giving men a safe space to share what’s really going on. It’s not therapy, it’s not a lecture, just blokes supporting blokes over a good feed.
themenstable.org
Surf Life Saving Central Coast
From The Lakes to Umina, the Coast is home to 15 surf clubs where volunteering is more than just beach patrols. It’s about camaraderie, learning new skills and being part of a proud tradition.
‘When people volunteer with us, they’re not just saving lives in the surf, they’re building community, accountability and lifelong friendships,’ says Michael Hyslop, CEO of Surf Life Saving Central Coast.
slscc.com.au
Central Coast Men’s Circle
Every Tuesday night, in loungerooms across the Coast, men gather in a circle. No titles, no judgement. Just open sharing, listening and connection. The Men’s Circle runs weekly from 7.30 pm–9 pm and is part of a movement helping men speak honestly about life, challenges
and growth. If you’ve ever wanted a deeper kind of mateship, this is it.
centreformenaustralia.org.au/nsw-central-coast-mens-group
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Here’s what I’ve learnt, both as a mental health professional and as a husband and dad: when men thrive, families thrive. When men are connected, they’re not just looking after themselves, they’re showing up better for their partners, kids, mates and colleagues.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joel Pilgrim is a former CEO turned social entrepreneur who’s spent
more than 15 years reimagining how we look after our mental health.
He co-founded the Waves of Wellness Foundation, recognised globally
for its impact, and now works with companies and communities to
build cultures of mental fitness.
