Welcome to Week 51 of The 52 Week Love Project – Acts of Kindness. The project designed to recognize 52 inspiring humans who are giving back to our community – whether in a small way or by creating a movement for change and inspiration.
In recognition of Men’s Health Week – we would like to introduce Kevin the founder of ‘Circle of Men’ created to support elderly men living in Age Care facilities. Their purpose is to reduce their isolation and loneliness through a weekly companionship program.
WHERE DID IT ALL BEGIN?
Kevin started Circle of Men in November 2015 at Redland City at a single Aged Car Facility
WHAT DO YOU DO?
The Circle of Men’s Mission is to organise a weekly companionship program where dedicated and trained volunteers gather in groups to support and nurture elderly men living in 15 local Aged Care Facilities.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU?
The plight of elderly men in Nursing Homes often who have no significant other, or ability to have positive interactions with men in the same age group.
ABS stats [2017] tell us that men >85 have the highest rate of suicide in Australia for their particular demographic.
HOW DO YOU GET PAST SELF DOUBT?
I always give my best effort, no matter the self-doubt, as the rewards for success are many. It is definitely a two-way street for our dedicated Volunteers and Residents, who each receive much in return.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE/CHANGE IN THE WORLD?
Please give it a go, as the feeling of genuine satisfaction, personal growth & reciprocity is amazing and fulfilling for all concerned.
DO YOU HAVE A QUOTE OR EXPRESSION THAT YOU LIVE BY?
“The only thing standing between you and Success is failure”
– Lance Miller: 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO?
Since medical retirement in early 2015 [following nine unsuccessful lower back procedures to alleviate a degenerative spinal disease process], I have also become involved in public speaking, leadership opportunities and networking through the Toastmasters International organisation, and by delivering keynote speeches to other community groups on the following issues:
- The loneliness & social isolation experienced by elderly males in our society.
- Addiction issues versus the proven benefits of social interaction and real “Connection” with our fellow human beings.
- Chronic pain advocacy and particularly researching, speaking and writing as a successful medical cannabis user & Advocate in Qld.
HOW CAN OTHERS HELP/GET INVOLVED?
We would love you to volunteer for Circle of Men if based in Qld:
Circle of Men Website:
Circle of Men Facebook Page – Connet: here Reach out to Kevin via email kev63diz56@hotmail.com The post The 52 Week Love Project – Week 51 Acts of Kindness appeared first on Datelicious.Please join our mailing list for the ‘The 52 Week Love Project‘ and we will hit your inbox each week with the story of an inspirational game changer … Sign Up: Here!