Terry Cornick felt uneasy when a friend teased him about being Mr Perfect and having it all. On the surface he had a great job, beautiful wife and two sons. But silently he had been battling depression and anxiety on his own.
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Mr Perfect was born when Terry opened up to his mates in the pub, and he found out that his mates had their own troubles to share. Three years on, Mr Perfect will launch its 23rd project on Sunday in Newcastle.
Mr Perfect describes itself as a grassroots "pre-crisis" charity that encourages conversation and connection between men in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Its aim is "to create a judgment-free society for men and their mental health".
It is a community project that reduces isolation in men by arranging barbecue get-togethers where friendships can form and people can share their mental health story if they want.
Mr Perfect is mental health's mate.
"Men experience mental health issues differently," Mr Perfect founder Terry Cornick said.
"Strong and silent, or extroverted and playing the larrikin are seen as acceptable ways a man should act, whether it is at times of joy or deep, crippling pain.
That expectation does not exist at Mr Perfect.
"Conversations can guide seamlessly through work, mental health, football, struggles, relationships and comedy."
I am very happy to be the Newcastle coordinator for Mr Perfect, having worked with men as a men's heath consultant for more than 30 years I think this is a perfect fit for Newcastle where for many years now we have had no grass roots community-led services like this for men.
There is no pressure at Mr Perfect barbecues to tell you story or stay the whole time. Just come along and have a snag in good company.
Conversations can range from our jobs, families, hobbies or interests.
The background in age is from 25 right up to 60, from all walks of life, race and confidence. Some men even bring their children or partners or dogs.
It is not a men's group, we do not stand or sit in a circle and it is not an AA-meeting - it's just guys spending some quality time together.
Mr Perfect was this year's NSW Men's Health Week Award winner.
Mr Perfect will hold its inaugural Newcastle meetup barbecue on Sunday, September 15, from 11.30am to 1pm in Islington Park.
Contact: Greg Millan on 0417 772 390 or email reg@menshealthservices.com.au.
Visit: mrperfect.org.au
