Honour, brotherhood, love – and a better tomorrow

You’ll spot our Men’s Mob at Alfred Cove Care Community from a mile away - their  bright orange shirts, their laughter and their incessant banter is infectious!

Located near the southern banks of Perth’s Swan River, Alfred Cove Care Community is blessed with sunny skies most of the year. It’s an ideal place for men of varying ages and cognitive abilities to gather for a cuppa, bond over shared interests and engage in hands-on activities that have kept men busy in Australian backyards and garages for decades.  

A safe space for all

As we age and our priorities and circumstances change, our social connections can diminish. This can be particularly acute for men. When we talk ‘wellbeing’, having something to look forward to matters, whatever our age. 

Alfred Cove’s Men’s Mob gathers every Thursday at 10am. It’s a routine our men look forward to with great anticipation. 

For Alison, general manager at Alfred Cove, Men’s Mob has become an essential part of the social fabric of the Care Community.

“Our men love coming together to chat and take on projects like building and staining our benches, and working with our maintenance team to keep wheelchairs rolling smoothly. And as much as they love the projects, everyone loves the camaraderie!” 

Our residents lead the charge

Importantly, our Men’s Mob was created and is run by a committee of residents. John, who lives at Alfred Cove with his wife Margaret, leads our Men’s Mob committee. As well as deciding on projects and activities, the committee designed the Mob’s eye-catching shirts and distinctive logo.

“Together, we’re more than a group,” says John. “We’re a pride – a pride that stands for honour, brotherhood, love, and a better tomorrow.”

New residents, such as former radiologist David, have been able to settle into life at Alfred Cove sooner than they expected, thanks to the warm welcome and friendships they’ve found in our Men’s Mob.

"David initially came to Alfred Cove for respite and recently returned as a permanent resident,” said wife Joanna. “The Men’s Mob was one of the big drawcards. When he retired from Royal Perth Hospital, David lost a lot of his close connections with male colleagues, so he’s enjoying the bonds he’s now forming in the Men’s Mob. Being a naturally social person, he loves participating in a group and sharing stories and worthwhile activities. Plus, he’s spent his working life in sensible blue checked shirts so the crazy orange t-shirt is a first!”

A safe space where all men are welcome

Alfred Cove’s Men’s Mob is all about inclusivity and connection, and this value extends to other Care Communities and beyond. Once a month, residents come from Applecross Shore and Melville Parkside Care Communities to join in the fun, with barbecues a special highlight for residents to form new friendships and strengthen bonds. 

Harvey, from the Melville Community Shed, is a popular honorary member of our Men’s Mob. Harvey attends regularly to offer support - and he’s found the experience just as beneficial as our residents. 

“Alfred Cove’s Men’s Mob encompasses emotional fulfilment, intellectual stimulation, and a strengthened sense of community connection,” says Harvey. “Each time I visit, I leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the value of human connection.”

Alison says that’s why Men’s Mob matters.

“There’s truth in the idea of ‘men don’t talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder,’” she says. “Men often feel isolated and lonely, and our Men’s Mob is a way for our men to find their place.”