A charity in Rugby is breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health this Movember
Back and Forth Men’s Mental Health Charity are urging men to talk openly about their mental health.
Last updated 4th Nov 2024
This November, you may start to see more men in Coventry and Warwickshire growing a moustache as Movember has started again.
Movember is dedicated to raising awareness of mental health struggles amongst men.
In Rugby, Back and Forth Men’s Mental Health Charity, is urging men to talk about their struggles.
The charity was founded by Dan Phillips last year, after he lost his friend to suicide.
Dan says he wants men to break away from the stigma surrounding mental health: ‘Stigma is that men don't like to talk.
‘It's the old attitude of just man up and get on with it. I hate the phrase man up, men won't come and look for help because of it.’
The charity aims to give men in the local area a space where they can talk freely with one another.
Dan spoke about the sessions the charity runs for those involved: "Our goal is to get men out talking, not necessarily about what the problems they're facing are, but just get them involved in conversation.
"To do that, we put on regular walks. We have social evenings and other organised activities.’
"The first step in tackling mental health problems is to talk, Dan said it’s important to check in on family or friends who may seem withdrawn: ‘Have that open and honest conversation.
"We always say ask somebody twice because the first time you say, “are you OK?” they might just say “Yeah I’m fine” but the second time they might say “actually, yeah, I could do with talking to somebody.”