Older Men: New Ideas (OM:NI) men’s discussion groups are a place for all men aged 50 and over to meet each other in an informal, social environment to share their knowledge and experiences. OM:NI men’s discussion groups have been running in Victoria since 2004, and are now found across Melbourne and in some regional areas.
How OM:NI groups work
Most local OM:NI men’s discussion groups meet monthly or fortnightly. A facilitator helps to lead the group in an informal discussion. Participants are expected to listen to each other and follow the OM:NI Group Guidelines of confidentiality, acceptance and respect. Sessions are always interesting, fun and informative.
Join your local OM:NI group
Find out if there is an OM:NI men’s discussion group in your local area by checking the OM:NI group contacts list, available below. There are no formal membership requirements – to participate, simply contact the listed contact person for your local group.
Download the OM:NI group contacts list
For more information, contact COTA Victoria on 1300 13 50 90 or by email to askcota@cotavic.org.au.
Watch an OM:NI group in action
Evaluation of OM:NI
Download evaluation brief Download full report
In 2021, La Trobe University was contracted by COTA Victoria to conduct an evaluation of the OM:NI program. The research was supported by John T Reid Charitable Trusts.
As part of this evaluation, the researchers from La Trobe University:
- Reviewed background information about OM:NI, including documents about its history and the OM:NI manual.
- Conducted a desktop review using the Google Scholar database to search for literature about “best practice” ways of engaging men in group-based social activities and programs.
- Conducted a focus group and interviews with 6 members of the OM:NI Advisory Committee.
- Conducted interviews with 14 OM:NI Group Contacts
- Conducted a survey with 80 OM:NI participants
The research aimed to find out about what was currently working well within OM:NI (Strengths), what needed improving or changing (Weaknesses), what ideas the men had about helping OM:NI thrive in the future (Opportunities), and things the men thought might threaten the sustainability of OM:NI (Threats).