MENDS - A Brief History

Architect of the MENDS program, Owen Pershouse, has been a family therapist since 1986, and has wide experience in program design and implementation in a range of settings.

In 1994, when his own relationship of over 20 years concluded, he came to appreciate the difference between being in possession of knowledge and being able to apply it to effect at a time of crisis.

Within a short period, Owen reviewed what solutions were on offer, and came to the conclusion that separated men were being poorly served; both by existing services, and by men's own resistance to engage what was available.

The material for the MENDS program was assembled during 1996 and formally piloted with 2 groups in Brisbane . Formal pilots (for the uninitiated) involve an external review of program activities and outcomes. The pilot program outcomes exceeded expectations, so the materials for the program were assembled into a powerful and professional bundle of resources, and those refinements deemed desirable from the pilot were incorporated.

The program was formally launched in Brisbane in December 1996, with Bettina Arndt being gracious enough to fly up from Sydney for the occasion to wish the program well.

In 1997 the program commenced in New South Wales , Victoria in early 1998 and Western Australia in early 1999. Strong interest has been expressed in the program from as far a field as Canada .

Between Christmas and New Year 1999, the federal government announced funding to various organisations under its Men and Family Relationships initiatives via the Department of Family and Community Services.

MENDS was successful in securing some of that funding, which will result in the program being trailed by a variety of community-based organisations throughout Australia . The communities where those trials will be conducted were announced by the Minister on 20th April 2000. 

The Federal Government appears to have gone quiet on what its policy is on Men and Family Relationships. Little funding has been earmarked to assist low income men and men in crisis to deal with the acute risk of separation and transitional issues.