The Bendigo Unemployed Older Men’s Group was launched on Friday to provide support and education for men struggling to re-enter the workforce.

The group, which will meet each Friday over the next two months, will be overseen by counsellors from Bendigo Community Health Services.

BCHS general counsellor and group facilitator Patrick Cox said periods of unemployment could be very difficult for men to come to terms with.

He said the group meetings would focus on issues such as financial stress, physical health, mental health relationships and motivation.

“This group is not aimed at getting you a job but providing the supportive environment and useful information to help you deal with the difficulties of being out of work,” he said.

“Groups are a great way of people hearing others’ experiences (and) sharing knowledge in a supported environment.

“It assures group members that they are not alone and that there is hope.”

Bendigo man Neil Gemmil knows from personal experience the challenges that men face breaking back into the workforce as they get older.

He said long-term employment generated many emotions for older men who would benefit from group meetings.

“I felt frustrated, emotional and angry … not having a purpose when I woke each day,” he said.

“I experienced low self-esteem and was very sensitive to criticism, wondering why this was happening to me – it was all about having a purpose.

“There were limited supports to help me for either getting a job or getting help for me emotionally,” he said.

“It would have been good to have the chance to discuss issues, share experiences and ideas – just nice to talk with people having the same issues.

“It would have created a new interest for me and provide me a purpose to attending something and feel worthwhile.”

The meetings will be held from 10am until midday each Friday for eight weeks at the Bendigo Community Health Services’ Eaglehawk site at 3 Seymoure Street.

For more information, call Patrick Cox or Dale Pymer at BCHS on 5430 0500.