365 Days, 1000’s of Men no longer on the edge – Online emotional ‘check-ins’ for men celebrates first anniversary, the same day as the lockdown #1 anniversary
The MenCheck-in online group sessions have been attended thousands of times since lockdown and helped men become more able to deal with their displaced emotions during lockdown.
MenCheck-ins, the online men’s only groups and brainchild of man-guru Kenny Mammarella-D’Cruz celebrates its first anniversary on the exact same day that England went into its first National lockdown in March 2020. Kenny set up the groups as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic after sensing that these sessions would become a key way to keep men sane and families safe during times of social isolation.
The meetings began as lunchtime, by-donation bitesize events, and now nearly 365 days and 500 groups later, Kenny has created an engaged online community that provides social medicine for group participants.
At these groups men are empowered by listening to others who are going through similar situations, with the power of the groups being shared, rather than held by one qualified expert. With no pressure to speak and no-one telling others what to do or how to fix their lives men have the space to hang out, be heard and get real, taking the edge of their lockdown situations and so they don’t lash out on others or lash in on themselves with depression, isolation and suicidal thoughts.
Kenny considers mental health to be a highly gendered issue. “In general, men prefer side-by-side communication, and tend to avoid clinical language and settings,” he says.
“Sessions are traditionally held in clinical rooms and swanky offices, but now, because MenCheck-ins happen online, it’s much more personable. People feel more comfortable in their own surroundings, and comfortable people have found it easier to share their feelings.”
Essentially, a MenCheck-In is a great space to share whatever is on your mind, release some pressure and connect with others in a welcoming, confidential, and non-clinical space.
It’s simply a men’s group, not a mental health support group, which allows for other needs to be met, like needs for connection, community, and having a good laugh. "We aim at early prevention of mental health issues. If a man has nowhere to share the small stuff or 'just hang out' before he knows it he could be facing bigger problems down the line." Mammarella-D'Cruz says.
For Kenny it’s simple “We want these groups to be as available as 12-step programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous and feel as normal a routine for men as heading to the gym for a workout or the pub to wind down.”
Echoing those sentiments, MenCheck-in group regular Bertie Harriman-Smith explains “The groups are essential for me for maintaining my sanity and remembering what life is really about… I can chat, hang out, laugh, talk about real issues and feel connected in such a disconnected and chaotic time. I’ve checked in while I’ve been dangerously on the edge and I’ve also shown up for good company with nothing in particular up at all.”
These mini-men's groups are currently running online every day, Mon-Sat 12.30pm-1.30pm, Sun 10.30am-11.30am, and you can donate however much you like towards the running of the online MenCheck-Ins.
Recently, MenCheck-ins big brother MenSpeak celebrated accreditation of all training sessions, meaning anyone can become a men’s group facilitator. The workshops are led by founder, Kenny, who imparts the knowledge he’s gleaned from two decades worth of experience in facilitating groups.
Additionally, you can grab yourself a copy of Kenny’s No.1 best-selling ebook Online Men’s Group Success: A step-by-step guide to facilitating personal development groups for men here.