Mercy Health’s Men’s Group Is a Vintage Success

The increasing number of male residents who now call Mercy Place Edgewater home has prompted the establishment of a new men’s group, which is already proving popular.

Local resident and volunteer Robert Cramp, whose mother was a resident at the residential aged care home for several years, started the group. The male seniors at the home have been meeting regularly to have a chat, with a focus on boosting their emotional health and wellbeing and reducing the risk of loneliness and isolation.

“It all started when I began visiting my mum regularly and noticed that, while the female residents had lots of craft groups to get involved with, the male residents did not, and I thought that a men’s group was something that I could help to organise,” says Mr Cramp, who worked for the City of Wanneroo for more than 34 years.

“We now meet every second Friday and talk about a range of topics, including current affairs, whilst enjoying drinks and nibbles.

“I enjoy it immensely, volunteering makes me feel like I am giving something back and it’s an enjoyable thing to do during my retirement. I’m 69 years old so it’s actually nice to be the youngest member of the group for a change.”

Mercy Place Edgewater Service Manager, Alison Devonport, said the group was a simple concept, but the residents had embraced it.

“Men typically keep things close to their chest, but it’s important for them to have a chance to share their thoughts and experiences, have a chat, make some new friends and reflect on their past, within a safe and social environment,” she says.

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