Supporting men’s mental health through coffee and connection at Juniper Chrystal Halliday

This Men’s Mental Health Week, we’re shining a light on a meaningful Friday morning ritual at Juniper Chrystal Halliday that’s brightening the week for male residents. Every week, around 15 male residents gather for the Men’s Café Corner for a relaxed, unstructured catch up over coffee run by Lifestyle Coordinator Yvonne Venner, where residents can chat, share memories and enjoy each other’s company.

The importance of these opportunities is backed by our research. Juniper’s Voice of Older Western Australians 2025 white paper, measured the factors that contribute to happiness and wellbeing among older Western Australians, and socialising ranked as the third most important factor for men, with 52 per cent saying it contributes to their overall wellbeing.

With more than half of older Western Australians reporting concerns about loneliness and isolation as they age, creating regular spaces for men to connect is more vital than ever.

Yvonne Venner has been with Juniper for 18 years and has been running the Men’s Café Corner at Chrystal Halliday for the past seven months.

“It’s an opportunity to enjoy a coffee, sit in the cafe area and chat about what they’ve done throughout the week, and reminisce about memories that mean a lot to them,” she said.

The sessions are deliberately unstructured, giving residents space to talk freely about whatever comes up, footy, fishing, growing up, or what’s in the news that morning.

“We discuss the daily newspaper and what’s happening in the world,” Yvonne said. “It’s good to listen to their views, and the residents feel valued.”

Yvonne makes an effort to keep each session a little different from the last.

“The guys respond very well to the Café Corner sessions,” she said. “Lots of stories, some of which are very funny to listen to. There are always lots of smiles.”

Chrystal Halliday Occupational Therapist Danielle Martin has seen what the group means to residents.

“Men’s groups in the older population are vital for reducing isolation and supporting wellbeing through shared activity and connection,” Danielle said. “Our research shows these groups can improve mental wellbeing, encourage peer support, and create a sense of belonging and purpose.”

Regular attendee and avid Adelaide Crows supporter Bill said the Friday morning catch ups had become something he looks forward to each week.

“I like coming, we get to chat about the footy and catch up with people I don’t always see around the home,” he said. “Everyone likes Yvonne, she always makes it entertaining.”