Pioneering Programme Aims to Combat Men’s Mental Health Issues Through Football
The MABA Group, a social enterprise from London, is spearheading a ground-breaking event aimed at tackling the mental health issues prevalent among men. This initiative comes in response to concerning data from The Samaritans, which shows that men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women. The event titled ‘What’s Ur Story (Mental Health)’ is scheduled for June 15, 2024, the eve of Father’s Day, and seeks to bring together men of all ages to discuss their mental health in a supportive setting enhanced by the communal spirit of football.
Expert-led discussions will complement the friendly matches, utilising the expertise of the MABA Group, which focuses on youth support through sports, education, and music.
Jean-Terach Bavangila, CEO and mentor at The MABA Group, described the event’s purpose: “The main objective of our What’s Ur Story (Mental Health) event is to challenge the stigmas around men’s mental health. Men just don’t share about their problems which can lead to mental health issues and sadly suicide in some cases. We want to show men there is a way to thrive.”
He added, “This series of events also aims to bridge the gap between different generations and groups, emphasising the importance of intergenerational dialogue and understanding. By bringing together individuals from diverse age groups, backgrounds, and experiences, the initiative seeks to demonstrate that no one is alone in their struggles and challenges.”
The event promises a nurturing environment where men can freely share their experiences and challenges, assured of empathy and support from peers, thereby reinforcing community bonds and individual resilience.
The initiative is poised to benefit men of various ages by fostering robust intergenerational ties and offering a platform for mutual support and personal growth.
The inaugural event will be hosted at the Phoenix Centre, with limited availability due to high demand. Interested participants are encouraged to sign up for future events by contacting The MABA Group at: info@themabagroup.com.