Menspeak Fundraiser For Next Step In Men’s Group Evolution Ends September 10th
It is the final days of the MenSpeak fundraising campaign to support the launch of a new app and platform aiming to upscale and transform the MenSpeak Men’s Group experience. Donations are accepted until September 10th to help build the foundations for men’s groups to become as accessible as 12-step programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous and treat addictions during their initial stages.
Kenny Mammarella-D’Cruz founded MenSpeak Men’s Groups to create a community of men connecting at depth. He launched daily live online groups during the pandemic for men struggling in isolation and suffering from addictions and other conditions whilst coping with internal conflict. Their success has resulted in the rapid expansion of the MenSpeak Men’s Group network and the money raised during the fundraising campaign will work to ensure the winning formula can be expanded into a private online community platform where men have immediate access to a space where they can hang out, be heard and get real.
“The main issue with men’s mental health is a lack of community and conscious connection. Rather than men are ‘bad’ and need ‘fixing’, they are seeking to be heard,” explained Kenny. “The solution is the men’s groups I have facilitated for over 20 years and every day since lockdown. Without talking, men’s lives can be controlled by shame, and they can descend into suicidal ideation or addiction. The groups are a way beyond this helpless existence.”
The move to all-in-one platform will allow MenSpeak to reach more men, more quickly and more securely. Increased efficiency such as streamlined payment options and subscription services combined with an expanded network including new events, retreats and training represent an exciting new chapter in the MenSpeak story.
Bertie Harriman-Smith, 29, has been part of the MenSpeak community for several years and has experienced first-hand the benefits of men’s groups and the change they can bring about. “I had a great life until I joined university where a host of mental health issues came bubbling to the surface - depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and panic attacks,” he reflected. “In the groups I finally found relief from my issues, and a sense of not being alone with them. I went beyond just 'coping' with my problems into living a free, creative, and thriving life. I found a brilliant community, and most importantly, I found self-acceptance and self-love, making the transition from lost boy to conscious man.”
The new app and platform will play a key role in Kenny achieving his long-term objectives of making men’s groups as available 12-step treatment programmes and reduce their need in future. Men can wait up to 18 weeks for mental health treatment on the NHS and will normally be offered a limited number of cognitive behavioural therapy sessions. The immediate availability of men’s groups mean they can be the solution to waiting for overstretched services and early intervention can make significant savings to the NHS.
Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/menspeak-cic-create-an-interactive-app-platform to donate until September 10th and find out more about the GoFundMe campaign to create a MenSpeak Men’s Group platform and app that expands the community through an online member-only network. September 10th also marks World Suicide Prevention Day that closely connects with Men Speak’s early intervention ethos.
For more information about facilitation training and men’s groups such as the daily online groups, DadSpeak and NeuroDiverseMenSpeak, visit https://www.menspeak.co.uk/.
About Kenny – Kenny Mammarella-D’Cruz founded MenSpeak Men's Groups over 20 years ago. He is the author of the Amazon No. 1 bestselling e-book “Online Men’s Groups Success: A Step-by-Step Guide to Facilitating Personal Development Groups for Men”. He has worked with Mother Theresa whose sacrifices in the face of relentless work and exhaustion inspired Kenny to start his journey of public service. He has 25 years’ experience in facilitation and provides CPD accredited training to professionals, therapists, and coaches.