MENTAL HEALTH

Jacob O’Neill Hosts “The Gathering of Men” Retreat on the Gold Coast for the 3rd year in a row – 4-7 October, 2024

WORDS: Melissa Mitchell PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Championing Men’s Mental Health: Jacob O’Neill Hosts “The Gathering of Men” Retreat on the Gold Coast for the 3rd year in a row with 150+ men expected to attend

Gold Coast, Australia – August 16th, 2024 – As men’s mental health continues to gain prominence in Australia, Jacob O’Neill, a dedicated Men’s Coach, is running an empowering 4-day retreat, The Gathering of Men (TGOM), set to take place on the beautiful Gold Coast. He will be joined by 15 Men’s Work practitioners from the region, to create a safe and transformative space for men to explore their mental and emotional well-being, foster connections, reconnect to land and culture, and reclaim their inner strength.

The Gathering Of Men

A Haven for Healing and Connection

The Gathering of Men is a 4-day immersion where men can challenge themselves, cultivate their masculinity, and connect as a brotherhood. It offers participants the unique opportunity to step away from the noise of the modern world and reconnect with nature, remembering who they truly are—stripped of societal labels, rules, and regulations. The retreat is an invitation for men to reset their nervous systems to their correct setting, free from the stresses of daily life.

Jacob O’Neill, the visionary behind TGOM, is passionate about breaking down the stigmas surrounding men’s mental health. “In a world that often expects men to suppress their emotions, it is crucial that we create spaces where men can be vulnerable, express their feelings, and support one another,” says O’Neill. “The Gathering of Men is not just a retreat; it’s a movement towards a healthier, more connected community of men.”

The Gathering Of Men

A Space for Reflection and Growth

TGOM is more than just a retreat—it’s a place where men can reflect on their lives, expand their capacity for responsibility, create deep bonds with other men, and step fully into the next season of manhood. At its core, TGOM is an embodied prayer—a prayer that every man remembers his innate power and cultivates the skills required to serve humanity in a way that only a man can.

“When you strip away the labels, the trophies, the possessions, and the money—at our core, we are all men,” O’Neill emphasizes. “Together, we share the responsibility of building a healthy, resilient culture of masculinity that can serve all humans right now and for generations to come.”

The Urgent Need for Action

The statistics surrounding men’s mental health in Australia highlight the urgent need for initiatives like The Gathering of Men. Recent data shows that 1 in 8 men experience depression, and 1 in 5 men suffer from anxiety during their lifetime. Despite these numbers, men are significantly less likely than women to seek help, with only 27.5% of men with mental health disorders reaching out for professional support.

Even more concerning, men account for 75% of all suicides in Australia, with an average of 7 men dying by suicide every day. Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 45, a statistic that underscores the critical importance of providing safe spaces for men to address their mental health challenges.

The retreat aims to address issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness, offering participants practical tools to manage their mental health long after the retreat concludes.

The Gathering Of Men

Join Us on the Journey

The 4-day retreat is open to men of all backgrounds and walks of life, from those who are just beginning their mental health journey to those who are looking for deeper healing and growth. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of purpose, stronger connections with other men, and a toolkit of strategies to navigate the complexities of modern life.

Event Details:

About Jacob O’Neill

Jacob O’Neill is a Men’s Coach dedicated to helping men unlock their potential and lead fulfilling lives. With years of experience in personal development and a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, Jacob has guided countless men on their journey to emotional freedom and empowerment.

For additional information, interviews, or to reserve a spot at The Gathering of Men, please contact: [email protected]