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Hi, Im a mature aged fourth year social work student with a background in the the Arts, starting my final placement in an aged care facility in Australia, I have been given the task of developing the mens group after a bit of a false start and was met today with some understandable doubt and hesitation. The last group got fed up with making bird houses out of popsicle sticks. The challenge comes with the risk assessment for the gents that are keen to continue their woodworking.

I started with modifying the muffin tin and numbers as an ice breaker to get to know the residents who turned up, albeit with trepidation! They tossed the coin and whatever number it landed on they shared a bit of information about themself to the group which helped me enormously to get to know them and help my nerves.

They are a varied group of cognitive and physical strength, political opinions, cultural background and out looks on their situtation and life.

I would like to build a mens group that is invested in by the residents, that facilitates their interests without patronising or frustrating them and to give them a sense of autonomy so that it can continue once my placement finishes later this year.

I guess I'm both thanking you for these resources and shared wisdom and looking for other tips, insights and suggestions as to best practice navigating the groups formation and future survival- for example- would you suggest creating a contract between the gents to address potential heated moments when differing opinions happen- or is that too 'social work'?!

Thanks in advance!

Dani