A Hornchurch college has hosted a men’s mental health event aiming to challenge stigma and spark conversation.
The event took place at New City College’s Ardleigh Green campus in Ardleigh Green Road and was delivered in partnership with AIR Network, Live Well Havering, the Proper Blokes Club, and TalkFC.
Aimed at higher education students of all genders, it featured a series of talks and presentations on the importance of mental health awareness, the connection between physical and emotional wellbeing, and the need for better support and understanding of men’s mental health challenges.
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Iliess Macani, from AIR Network, said: "It’s massively important to educate people about men’s mental health because it’s not spoken about enough – it’s been deemed as taboo.
"I think a lot of men need to be far more open and speak about their mental health more."
Speakers offered personal insights. Scott Johnson, founder of the Proper Blokes Club and TalkFC, encouraged men to find activities that work for them.
He said: "Getting out in the open, exercising, running, gym, swimming, football – whatever your passion is with exercise, get yourself out there and get doing it."
The event also addressed the growing need for male counsellors.
Mark Wilson, a New City College graduate who now works in bereavement counselling, emphasised the gap.
He said: "We’re seeing an increase in applications on our counselling courses, but we’re not seeing an equal increase in applications from men."
Mark spoke about the barriers men face in both seeking support and considering counselling as a career.
He said: "The stereotypical idea is that men don’t need help or wouldn’t seek support because that’s somehow perceived as a demonstration of weakness. Whereas counselling doesn’t have to be like that."
He also spoke about the impact of counselling, adding: "You can make a huge difference in someone’s life with maybe a small intervention that has vast differences in outcome for that individual."
The event highlighted the ongoing work of organisations and professionals dedicated to men’s mental health.
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