It’s time to get with the ManBassador Programme at your university
By Peter Connelly, Director of Sport, Aston University and a ‘ManBassador’ ambassador
7 November 2024
We cannot underestimate the need to create a comfortable workforce space for men to talk, seek support and break down barriers around mental and physical health. It is not 1924, yet it is still all too common for men, and those who identify as men, of all ages to revert to stereotypes of having a ‘stiff upper lip’ or being a ‘strong silent type’. Important work is ongoing for discussions around women health, such as menopause in the workplace, and its essential then men do more to talk about their health. Many even retain an internal perception that seeking help is a sign of weakness while others are not able to cope, and this is understandable as they are left to suffer in silence, putting their health at risk.
The ManBassador Programme delivered by ManHealth aims to break down these barriers, leverage the power of trust and camaraderie, and peer-to-peer connections, all whilst creating a psychologically safe space for men to discuss sensitive topics and seek support. ManHealth recognise that we are facing a crisis in men’s health across the UK, where 1 in 5 men die before the age of 65 from largely preventable health issues due mainly to poor health literacy. Mental health problems present just as high a risk, with 75% of all deaths by suicide in the UK attributed to men. In fact, suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50.
The ManBassadors programme is a stigma breaking intervention for the workplace, taking a gender-specific approach to improve health and save lives. ManBassadors are members of staff in the workplace who gain their Men’s Health Ambassador Certificate and learn to run male friendly campaigns. They provide supportive conversations, signpost men to expert help and how to practice safeguarding.
I joined the programme as one of the members of staff at Aston University. As Director of Sport, I am proud to have taken part, hosting events to inspire and improve men’s health across our University.
We embarked on the ManHealth’s two-day training course, which was excellently delivered by Paul Bannister, Founder Director from ManHealth. Paul was passionate about the programme, shared his personal experiences, and had a very ‘down to earth’ style with his presentation delivery. Paul’s training also resonated strongly with us because I think a lot of people in the group had first-hand experience of the illnesses discussed, or knew a family member, close friend, or even a colleague who had suffered from one of the conditions discussed.
A key message from the training was to build trust and relationships with male colleagues. It’s important to create an environment where men have the chance to ‘open up’ more than they typically would; to share information on how to get help whilst signposting in a ‘non-judgemental’ way. This can possibly detect an early diagnosis that could be potentially treatable and lifesaving.
To turn the training into action, the approach that the ManBassador Programme asked us to take was to arrange any form of event that would be of interest to male colleagues. For me, as Director of Sport, I naturally gravitate towards arranging sports events. I know sport isn’t always everybody’s ‘cup of tea’, but the ultimate ‘goal’ was to attract as much interest and participation as possible, before getting men to talk openly and support one another.
We are, in some cases (but not all) talking about a behaviour change project here, and that can be a very hard nut to crack. My experience with organising these sports events is that there has been a very good response from colleagues at Aston and participation levels have been really encouraging.
Understandably, the topics that the men raise are sensitive, so I recommend tactfully handling conversations in a non-judgemental and fairly concise way. I have done this together with distributing information leaflets, which includes the relevant information and contact details of support services.
Overall, my advice for organising your own event with a male wellbeing initiative is to make sure the event is promoted as fun, and not too serious. Do make sure that the event is well organised, well run and has good facilities / environment. Participants will remember how much they enjoyed the event and are then more likely to get involved in the future, which will enable us to continue to share an important ManBassador message: Forget ‘chin up’, let’s join together and give men the support they need in your community.
The two-day course is delivered using engaging, blended learning and a toolkit of resources is also provided. For more information, please visit: https://manhealthtraining.org.uk/training-programmes/the-manbassador-programme/
7 November 2024
We cannot underestimate the need to create a comfortable workforce space for men to talk, seek support and break down barriers around mental and physical health. It is not 1924, yet it is still all too common for men, and those who identify as men, of all ages to revert to stereotypes of having a ‘stiff upper lip’ or being a ‘strong silent type’. Important work is ongoing for discussions around women health, such as menopause in the workplace, and its essential then men do more to talk about their health. Many even retain an internal perception that seeking help is a sign of weakness while others are not able to cope, and this is understandable as they are left to suffer in silence, putting their health at risk.
The ManBassador Programme delivered by ManHealth aims to break down these barriers, leverage the power of trust and camaraderie, and peer-to-peer connections, all whilst creating a psychologically safe space for men to discuss sensitive topics and seek support. ManHealth recognise that we are facing a crisis in men’s health across the UK, where 1 in 5 men die before the age of 65 from largely preventable health issues due mainly to poor health literacy. Mental health problems present just as high a risk, with 75% of all deaths by suicide in the UK attributed to men. In fact, suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50.
The ManBassadors programme is a stigma breaking intervention for the workplace, taking a gender-specific approach to improve health and save lives. ManBassadors are members of staff in the workplace who gain their Men’s Health Ambassador Certificate and learn to run male friendly campaigns. They provide supportive conversations, signpost men to expert help and how to practice safeguarding.
I joined the programme as one of the members of staff at Aston University. As Director of Sport, I am proud to have taken part, hosting events to inspire and improve men’s health across our University.
Training with ManHealth
When the University promoted the programme through ManHealth, I was one of ten who came forward to be part of the inception and first group of colleagues to be trained as ManBassadors. The initial ‘call to action’ for this new and exciting health initiative resonated with me because it was specifically targeted at raising awareness of men’s physical and mental health. It focused on the five biggest preventable killers of working age males in this country, which are: heart disease, prostate cancer, lung cancer, bowl cancer, and suicide.We embarked on the ManHealth’s two-day training course, which was excellently delivered by Paul Bannister, Founder Director from ManHealth. Paul was passionate about the programme, shared his personal experiences, and had a very ‘down to earth’ style with his presentation delivery. Paul’s training also resonated strongly with us because I think a lot of people in the group had first-hand experience of the illnesses discussed, or knew a family member, close friend, or even a colleague who had suffered from one of the conditions discussed.
A key message from the training was to build trust and relationships with male colleagues. It’s important to create an environment where men have the chance to ‘open up’ more than they typically would; to share information on how to get help whilst signposting in a ‘non-judgemental’ way. This can possibly detect an early diagnosis that could be potentially treatable and lifesaving.
To turn the training into action, the approach that the ManBassador Programme asked us to take was to arrange any form of event that would be of interest to male colleagues. For me, as Director of Sport, I naturally gravitate towards arranging sports events. I know sport isn’t always everybody’s ‘cup of tea’, but the ultimate ‘goal’ was to attract as much interest and participation as possible, before getting men to talk openly and support one another.
We are, in some cases (but not all) talking about a behaviour change project here, and that can be a very hard nut to crack. My experience with organising these sports events is that there has been a very good response from colleagues at Aston and participation levels have been really encouraging.
Events to get men talking
Practical considerations to keep in mind for hosting events include choosing convenient timings as staff can finish work and rostered shifts at differing times. There also needs to be clear travel arrangements, good facilities and equipment availability (if applicable) for event attendees, as well as a venue for a social gathering after the event. I found that this provides opportunity to unwind afterwards, have a casual chat and meet some new colleagues. This is the perfect opportunity take a few minutes of people’s time to explain the ManBassador Programme, how we can support each other, and of course, how each person can become a ManBassador. It’s a great chance for everyone to start opening up, and maybe even save a life.Understandably, the topics that the men raise are sensitive, so I recommend tactfully handling conversations in a non-judgemental and fairly concise way. I have done this together with distributing information leaflets, which includes the relevant information and contact details of support services.
ManBassadors: spreading the word for all generations
At one event at Aston, we managed to identify a young colleague who was quite influential amongst colleagues of a similar age within some departments and services. We briefed this colleague on the programme, and he had experience of one of the illnesses through a close friend. He was able to talk to and persuade a significant number of other colleagues to support the events we’d organised. Social media is a powerful tool, and if you can identify an influential colleague with social media influence, then this can help with the success in generating interest and participation of your event.Overall, my advice for organising your own event with a male wellbeing initiative is to make sure the event is promoted as fun, and not too serious. Do make sure that the event is well organised, well run and has good facilities / environment. Participants will remember how much they enjoyed the event and are then more likely to get involved in the future, which will enable us to continue to share an important ManBassador message: Forget ‘chin up’, let’s join together and give men the support they need in your community.
Becoming a ManBassador
All ManBassadors undertake training to achieve the Men’s Health Ambassador Certificate, which is delivered by ManHealth facilitators.The two-day course is delivered using engaging, blended learning and a toolkit of resources is also provided. For more information, please visit: https://manhealthtraining.org.uk/training-programmes/the-manbassador-programme/
