31 July 2023
There’s something in the water that’s helping men's mental health at the Cronulla Gropers
This Moment of Help started with two guys enjoying the health benefits of taking the waters at Cronulla Beach on Dharawal Country. Now, 179 men and counting are feeling the healing through this unique support network. Founded by Lee Murphy and Jason Dorahy, the Cronulla Gropers is an early morning swimming group where men are invited to belong, connect and share.
Men’s mental health is high on the agenda, with males accounting for roughly two thirds of all suicides worldwide. Current statistics list 1 in 8 men suffering from depression, but Lee believes the real number is higher.
“The statistics only show the ones you know about, the ones that come forward. I’ve been through depression and it took my wife to grab me and say ‘something’s not right’. Unless you’ve got that someone to urge you to get help, a lot of men will ignore it,” says Lee.
This general lack of men seeking help formed part of the inspiration for Lee and Jason to nurture a supportive environment that’s free from judgement and typical social constructs.
On any given morning at about 6.00AM, we might have 30-50 blokes. CEOs, bus drivers, tradies, unemployed, you name it. It doesn’t matter what you look like, you’re just another man in a pair of budgies coming down and doing something positive for yourself
Every member of the Cronulla Gropers gets a special pair of branded budgies with a squad number written on the back. They believe this also helps members enjoy an official sense of belonging. While members of the group find solace in each other, the ocean setting is healing in itself.
“We had Jeff Hardy, an NRL Dragons player, give a Welcome to Country for NAIDOC week. We swam out to the first buoy and formed a circle. Here we have a First Nations man who is deeply connected to country, talking to that country, and then the sun comes up over the water.
In that moment it was just magic,” Jason reveals. The positive mental health effects don’t stop at the water’s edge either, with the immersive gatherings clearly having a flow-on effect.
This group is cathartic. Our members are going home feeling cleansed, refreshed and renewed. This mood is apparent to their wives, partners and families who are overjoyed to see the men they love feeling good
“We’ve had the wives and partners of these men contact us, thanking us for our help and what they say has been life-changing for their partner’s mental health.”
A lot of men find the group via social media, or are referred to the group by partners and friends. Jason shares that in one case, a concerned citizen sent them a new member.
“A woman came across a man sitting near Dolls Point who was crying on the beach. She quietly approached him and encouraged him to reach out to us and he did. Two weeks later he is coming down to the water seven days a week. At one point he put his arm around me and said ‘Jase, you’ve saved my life.’ ”
Obviously, the Cronulla Gropers is free to join, apart from the cost of a cup of coffee. This is of particular value given that clinical psychology and the associated cost isn’t an option available to everyone. Lee also agrees that members are more likely to meet other blokes who can sympathise with similar experiences.
“Instead of staying in bed that extra hour, guys can pop down whenever they want. They chat and bounce off each other and feel so much better for it.”
The Cronulla Gropers has also become a social network where new friendships are formed. There are members who have recently moved to the area and don’t know anyone, or don’t have the opportunity to meet new people.
“We’ve got a Brit, we’ve got a South African and other men that have moved here for work or their partners. They knew no-one and now Cronulla Gropers is part of their ritual. They wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Lee and Jason have even bigger plans for improving men’s mental health by encouraging more groups in new areas. They’ve raised money for men’s charities and enjoy regular group dinners together. Later this year, they’re running a men’s health retreat in Bali. Lee says they have also their sights set on tackling bullying.
“We also want to see what we can do for kids in this space. There’s a lot of bullying out there on social media today, and a group like this could help kids feel safe, supported and amongst friends.”
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