New England Medicare Local has encouraged men to join the Aboriginal Yarn Circle, held at the Salvation Army every Monday from 11am until 2pm.

Organiser, Chris Binge, said the program encouraged men to talk about their drug, alcohol, violence and family issues to better themselves.

“It’s a safe environment; it’s not an organisation, it’s not political, it’s just a place where men can come to figure out the underlying issues and deal with them to become better men, better fathers and better role models in the community,” he said.

Including Mr Binge, a team of three travelled to the coast to undergo a ‘rekindling spirit’ training weekend so the yarn circle could run in Moree.

“The program not only gives local men a chance to talk about the serious issues in their lives but it also gives them the opportunity to seek advice from professionals such as doctors, psychologists and other health professions that they usually wouldn’t see,” Mr Binge said.

The group is open to men who believe they could benefit from the program, and there is no referral needed.

“There is no expert in the room and everyone can relate to everyone’s struggles. The first step is the hardest and it is a credit to the men who turn up each and every week. They’ve taken the chance to better themselves, their families and their community,” he said.

Mr Binge said if men and women work together as one the whole community would benefit.

“Lead the way to a better you and come down to the Salvation Army or give me, Tom or Buddy a call to find out more about the yarn circle,” he said.

If you would like to attend the yarn circle phone New England Medicare Local on 6752 7196.