The Table Talk Project
Neil Milton is a man on a mission.
Time for you to meet Neil Milton. I met him on a beach in Adelaide about 5 years ago. We were strangers talking about the dog we had (Cavoodle) and the dog he was about to get (again, Cavoodle).
As you get talking and you ask people what they do, I was impressed with Neil’s vision for something he saw as a real challenge.
Neil, the founder of The Table Talk Project, reflected on his childhood dinner experiences as times when he often felt voiceless and unable to engage in meaningful conversations.
Determined to create a different environment for his own family, Neil established The Table Talk Project to transform mealtime into an opportunity for deep, honest discussions.
The Table Talk Project encourages families to dedicate one meal per week to intentional dialogue. This initiative is structured around three key components:
Plan Your Meal (Entrée): Families prepare and share a meal together, choosing from provided recipes or their own selections.
Have Conversation (Main): During the meal, participants engage in meaningful conversations, utilising curated conversation starters (on the Table Talk Project website) or initiating their own topics.
Have A Check-In (Dessert): After the discussion, families ensure everyone feels heard and understood, fostering a supportive environment.
On the website resources such as conversation starters, meal planning ideas, and access to a supportive community.
After each meal, families are encouraged to provide feedback through the "Back At The Table" feature, contributing to the project's ongoing development.
By fostering regular, meaningful conversations around the dinner table, The Table Talk Project aims to strengthen family connections and promote better mental health.
Neil Milton's vision is to create inclusive spaces where every family member feels valued and heard.
I reckon it’s a valuable exercise we can all engage in.
‘Onya Neil.