The men’s mental health conference, attended by over 50 participants, featured a series of impactful speeches that challenged the community to take a more proactive stance on mental wellness. James Momoh CBT chaired the meeting and spoke of the importance of talking therapy in mental health. Victor Koroma gave the opening remarks and reiterated the need for this crucial awareness of mental health conversations. Eva Karanja used Mentimeter to gather audience responses on two key questions.
Hilda discussed the Community Wellbeing Champions program, which is active in various communities in Reading. She encouraged more men to join and become champions within their own communities. If you would like to join, check out this link: Community Health Champions, Reading (youtube.com). Tariq Gomma shared the findings of the Community Participatory Action Research (CPAR) that centred on Men’s Mental Health. He still advocated for more places like the Oxford Road hub where men can have a chat and discuss mental health. Link: Tackling health inequalities in Reading: Community Participatory Action Research 2021–2022 – Connecting Research. James Mugo spoke about men’s mental health through the lens of immigration status. He encouraged attendees to enrol in the Mental Health First Aid course offered at the hub, which provides a deeper understanding of mental health. Emphasizing that everyone has mental health, just like physical health, he highlighted the importance of learning how to care for one’s own well-being as well as that of others. Menopause Coach Joan StClair discussed the impact of andropause, often referred to as male menopause, a concept that was relatively unfamiliar to most attendees. Edward Chacha shared his life story on substance misuse, managing life’s challenges and its Impact on his Mental Health. Therapist, Fanuel Ncube spoke on Family Matters and Men’s Mental Health. How negativity or positivity can affect partners and how it influences relationships. Kadeer shared his lived experience and reiterated to the men that It’s Okay To Talk and Help Is At Hand. Joseph Wafula shared his thoughts on the importance of “Finding Something You Love” in a room filled with artistic canvases. He read a heartfelt script about how his art saved his life. He highlighted how spaces like the Oxford Road community hub and other organizations have enabled him to conduct art workshops to support people dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Dr Peter Phiri spoke of Culturally Adapted CBT and that Support Is Possible. He explained extensively how mental and physical health are not so different. The mind needs the body and vice versa. Highlighting that the mind and body are interdependent and both require care. Yvonne Mhlanga urged the men to take part in a study and be A Voice In Shaping Our Mental Health Services. Alice Kunjapy-Clifton Healthwatch reiterated that Men’s mental matters and they would like to hear about access to services. Additionally, if you have been billed for your NHS hospital treatment and would like to share your experience, Healthwatch Reading is interested in hearing from you. Please contact them via email at info@healthwatchreading.co.uk. Ben (BHFT) spoke on how they would like to work with the community and especially look at why young black males are being sectioned. Is there something we are missing at the services or something the community is missing? Cecily Mwaniki gave the closing remarks and urged for action from the services and the community to work together to improve Men’s mental health. Emphasising the importance of open dialogue and supportive environments. They urged attendees to reflect on their own behaviours and societal norms that often discourage men from seeking help. The conference fostered a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging participants to implement change within their communities and support mental health initiatives more actively.
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