Common Ground Men's Groups are 9 week facilitated programs that offer a powerful way for men to explore the issues and challenges common to all men.

Upcoming Information Evenings

Our information evenings are a great way to meet the program leaders and find out more about Common Ground and men's group. Partners are encouraged to attend! Information evenings are free. Registration is encouraged but not essential. (If you can't attend a particular information evening, please call us to explore your options.) 

Common Ground Mitchelton - Free Introductory Night, Thursday 11 July

Common Ground Melbourne - Weekend Program, begins Friday 6 September

Common Ground Gold Coast - Free Introductory Night, Wednesday 18 September

Common Ground Canberra - Weekend Program, begins Friday 22 November

Why a Men's Group?

"Most men don't have a life. Instead we have learned to pretend. Much of what men do is an outer show, kept up for protection. Like a tiger raised in a zoo - confused and numb, with huge energies untapped. He feels there must be more, but does not know what more is." ~ Steve Biddulph, Author of 'Manhood' 

There are profound benefits when men have the space and time to discuss the things that matter with other men.  Common Ground groups provide a safe non-confronting atmosphere that supports your personal growth and raises awareness. It's about building something new on the inside, from an authentic masculine perspective.

Individuals and community organisations often ask us about men's groups and it's clear there is a genuine shortage of facilities and opportunities for men. Common Ground offers one of the few opportunities for men to gain new perspectives on issues, and on life with other caring and informed men.

Topics explored Together

DEVELOPING OUR COMMON GROUND
A welcoming, discovering what we share as men and what's important to us.

JOURNEY TO MANHOOD
Looking at our past to discover our present. Creating more understanding by exploring where we came from.

FATHERING
Creating greater awareness of how we were fathered. Examining role models to become our own man, and consequently become a better father and role model for future generations.

RELATIONSHIPS
Finding the key that unlocks the door to positive relationships.

ASPECTS OF MASCULINITY
An understanding of where we draw our power and love from.

SEX, LOVE, INTIMACY, AND SPIRIT
Understanding the relationships between these powerful forces and integrating them into the everyday fabric of our lives.

SELF AWARENESS & ACCEPTANCE
An essential open space to allow the group to explore other areas of interest.

HONOURING
Reviewing the the journey together.

CONTINUING THE JOURNEY
Exploring and sustaining a dynamic men's group.

Feedback from Attendees

• Immeasurable, I cannot describe the benefits, thank you so much.

• I realise more of who I am and the way others see me.

• I know my own emotions better.

• I know how to handle situations in a new positive way.

• I discovered men are better than depicted in the media.

• I found I was not alone with my views and feelings.

• I feel recharged from the course.

• Better understanding of men’s issues and what they are.

• The course has given me a clear sense of being and a sense of oneness about my emotions and myself.

• Achieved something by telling my story, facing unresolved issues & gaining new friendships.

• The course is extremely well structured and organised. For me, and I am confident others share the same opinion; you jointly created an atmosphere of trust and safety. The time spent was unique and invaluable to be able to relate to fellow men without fear of judgement. So thank you for your time, consideration, sincerity and willingness to accept and assist in contributing to my life's journey. I feel and think of you not as facilitators, but friends of awareness and trust." ~ Chris

• For me, participating in a Common Ground group was not about being less-than or wrong, it was about finding greater substance and love for my life in today's busy and challenging world. The flow on to my family, work and community is enormous. ~ Neil, age 52

• It's just changed everything" ~ John R, age 43

         ...and a woman's view of Common Ground

• My husband is more alive, our home life is so much more enriched & I feel excited about the future. Not only did I notice a change in him over the duration of the course, but he still meets regularly with his group and both he and I feel supported through this regular contact he has with the men he has made such an obviously deep connection with. I'm so glad he did Common Ground. ~ Caitlin

Common Ground Facilitators

Common Ground Facilitators are men from our community with extensive experience in men's work. They have all attended Common Ground program themselves, so they know what it's like to be just one of the men. After attending a 3 day intensive Facilitator Training Program they receive further hands on experience as "trainees" working with senior facilitators in a number of Common Ground programs.

While each Facilitator has his own style, they all share a common understanding of the art of facilitating a group of men in a way that enables each man to find his own truth, his own path and his own voice amongst men. Facilitators are watchful for advice giving, cross-talk, projection and other habits that get in the way of authentic connection between men. Their deep skill is the capacity to hold firm yet gentle boundaries to keep the groups safe without blocking the expression of what is real and authentic.