Self Seen Margaret River
Through a series of articles, we sit down with various local initiatives in the aim of spreading awareness about community connection and forging meaningful relationships in a social setting. In this article we speak with Ryan Nilsson-Linne and his involvement with Self Seen and its impact here in Margaret River.
What is the primary mission behind Self Seen Margaret River? How did the initiative begin, and what inspired its creation?
Self Seen is a group founded in Margaret River in 2024 with the ambition of creating hope in the community and a mission to change Mental Health Stigma. Core Values of Support, Encourage, Empower, Vulnerability, Self-Love and Self-Integrity.
It began in Port Macquarie NSW where I was a regular visitor to their morning walks. When I returned to Margaret River, I felt it was an initiative that our community could really benefit from.
What key community issues or challenges is the initiative addressing in Margaret River? How do you see this evolving over time?
We live in a unique town in a unique part of the world with its own set of challenges. There is so many different reasons for people to be struggling with their day-to-day life.
Our group is for men of all ages, shapes and sizes and we are slowly building a great little community and a safe space for blokes to come and be vulnerable, build resilience, chat about their day to day lives, celebrate wins and work through challenges.
Currently we are providing something relevant and consistent. Making men comfortable to be there and building a great little community. As it grows, the group will naturally move to offering workshops and bringing in other people to use their strengths and give people something to help them grow.
What specific programs or activities does Self Seen Margaret River offer? Can you walk us through a typical workshop or event?
We are running a weekly men’s walk and a monthly men’s circle. The weekly Sunday morning BBQ followed by a walk and talk creates a safe space for men to come together, connect, and spend the morning with a free breakfast, a walk in nature and an open, genuine chat. You meet new people and know that other men have your back. If guys need to talk about something they are struggling with there is someone to provide support and to hold that space for them to share.
We have also extended into a monthly men’s circle on a Tuesday night to bring men together for a more intimate facilitated chat about their lives. The circle provides a confidential and safe space for men to be open, to be vulnerable, and to share their challenges, and their wins.
How does the program integrate the natural environment of Margaret River into its approach to mental health and wellbeing?
We meet every week at Rotary Park by the river. After a nice outdoor morning feed, we head off up the bush track around the river up to the Rendell Weir. We stop by the river and have a bit of a chat. This spot has become very special to the group really connecting us back to place and giving us all a little lift. I know a few blokes head back there on occasion when they need a little pick up or to show their families.
It has also been amazing watching the resilience of the Australian bush, dealing with adversity and bouncing back when conditions are right.
Are there any upcoming workshops or community events that readers should be aware of?
We run our weekly walks from 7am at Rotary Park every week no matter what, we are always encouraging new members to come down and see if the group is right for them. Our next Men’s Circle will run another before Xmas. Follow our Facebook page for updates.
Who is the program primarily aimed at, and how can community members get involved?
The group is targeted towards men of the community but if there are any women out there that want to create something similar, we would be happy to work with them to help create a similar space for women of the community.
Our walks are 7am every Sunday morning as it is the best time to try and capture the working man. You are home by 9am and can be home earlier if you don’t join in on the post walk coffee so usually you are home before the family has begun their day. We encourage all men of any age to come on down and begin their day well doing something positive for themselves and their mental and physical health.
What feedback have you received from participants so far?
There has been some amazing feedback from our blokes that regularly come down.
Providing a space for blokes to really connect with Margaret River in nature on a Sunday, having meaningful chats about their lives and weeks and listening to other men has allowed the guys to build a community.
It blows me away when they tell me how much they appreciate the group, how it has given some hope and creates something for them to look forward to each week.
Is Self Seen partnering with other local organisations or stakeholders?
We have partnered with Mindful Margaret River. Self Seen are just average blokes who have faced our own battles and not trained professionals, so it has been nice to know that there is a group in town that has our back if needed. Knowing we have their support is invaluable.
Reaching out to them also gave us Peter Durey as a founding leader of the group. His insights, wisdom, and experience have been an incredible asset to Self Seen.
How has the broader conversation around mental health and wellness shifted in Margaret River since the launch of Self Seen?
I can’t speak for the whole town, but it has opened the way that people within my circle speak about mental health and has helped to start conversations on the subject. I know it has also had a similar effect on our other leaders chatting with people in the community.
Within the group as we have all gotten more comfortable with each other we have also really relaxed and been able to chat about our wins and challenges more openly.
Just being able to speak openly about your mental health or that of others really helps to lighten the weight on your shoulders.
In what ways does the program help reduce stigma around seeking help for mental health issues?
We try to create a space where men feel comfortable having a chat. We don’t put any pressure on people to commit more about themselves than they are comfortable with. We aim to create a safe space where men feel able to be vulnerable which in turn allows us to grow resilience.
The more we are comfortable talking about our daily struggles, sharing with others and lessening the burden on ourselves the better.
How can the broader community contribute to or support the initiative going forward?
If we can help people to chat about their mental health, then Self Seen will have a positive impact on the community. If people want to get involved, I encourage them to reach out to me and we can see how we align and what you can do to help us. Anything is appreciated.
How has working with Self Seen Margaret River impacted you personally?
It has had a massive influence on my life since getting underway in January. The sense of pride I have in the group and the men that attend really gets me up and about on a Sunday morning. I have met a different group of fellas than I would have in my day-to-day life and have made some great connections.
What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved with Self Seen or attending a session for the first time?
We are a really relaxed group open for men of all walks of life. Whatever you want to get out of the group you are able. There is no pressure to do or talk about anything you aren’t comfortable with, and we welcome new people with open arms.
For those interested in learning more or participating, where can they find additional information or sign up for events?
There is no need to sign up to any of our events, we have an open-door policy for anyone who wants to come down and join in with us.
Currently we run a Facebook page Self Seen Margaret River to keep people up to date with what we are doing each week.
You can have a look on the website selfseen.com.au to find out more.
If you want to get in touch and learn more I am happy for people to give me a buzz on 0458565299 or to email selfseenmargaretriver@gmail.com
