New author shortlisted: ‘2020 Covid-Response Award’ for holding vital daily Online Men’s Groups since March.

The Men and Boys Coalition have shortlisted Kenny Mammarella-D’Cruz, dubbed the ‘Man Whisperer’ by Newsweek, for their Special 2020 Covid Award. Kenny’s MenSpeak Men’s Groups have met online every weekday since lockdown in March, and every day of the week since November, in response to the alarming increase of mental health issues in men.

The winner will be announced on 19th November, International Men’s day, and the day Kenny releases his ebook “Online Men’s Group Success: A step-by-step guide to facilitating personal development groups for men”. The ebook builds on the sudden success of his MenSpeak Men's Groups during the first COVID-19 lockdown. His aim is to empower others to launch their own online groups for this second lockdown.

“A week before lockdown I received a message from my colleague, Bertie Harriman-Smith, who told me he had the Covid symptoms, so I self-isolated. I soon started having flashbacks of the military on the streets of Kampala, gunfire, curfew and the secret service stalking my family. We were on Idi Amin’s death list and escaped to the UK as refugees. Triggered, I kept catching myself compulsively scanning the streets of London from my window, looking for danger. A few days later the whole country went on lockdown, so I immediately launched our daily by-donation men’s groups online, for men to give voice to and take the edge off whatever’s up. Triggered men often lash-out on those around them, or get depressed, isolated and suicidal.”

From his own pain, and with 20 years pedigree of holding men’s groups, Kenny instinctively filled an unmet need for a safe space for men to voice their problems and issues online, amongst peers.

“Men have shown up after the death of a parent, near violence, during financial, relationship, sexual, social and even spiritual breakdown. The groups have saved lives and marriages, relieved isolation and provide a vital space to hang out, be heard and get real.” Explained Kenny.

Men bond, as they learn from one another’s experiences, whilst exploring issues such as anger and anxiety, and sharing tools for a better life. Smaller breakout Zoom rooms are held by Kenny’s trainees, under supervision, to prepare them to hold their own groups as demand continues to steadily grow. Full day trainings are held monthly for men and women who wish to facilitate their own groups. An accredited training will be launched in the New Year.

Writing for GQ, broadcaster and celebrated author Tony Parsons explained, “I felt a lot better after going to MenSpeak – just like the gym. Call it press-ups for the mind and circuit training for the soul.”

Aiming to engage with even more men and women, Kenny’s grads have launched WomenSpeak women’s groups, YoungMenSpeak 18-35 groups, MenCook dinner groups and so much more. The ebook is designed to meet the growing clamour for men's group meetings during the second national lockdown, and also to navigate the way forward beyond the virus.

“Online Men’s Group Success: A step-by-step guide to facilitating personal development groups for men” will be available from Amazon from 19th November at 99p to celebrate International Men’s Day, then £4.95 thereafter.

Ends

Source: GQ Magazine (July 2020)

Ebook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08NGTD7XM?linkCode=gs2

Review / contact: Kenny@themanwhisperer.co.uk

07957350034


Attached Media


About The Man Whisperer

About The Man Whisperer Kenny Mammarella-D'Cruz (dubbed The Man Whisperer by 'Newsweek') meets Covid-19 issues with daily groups since lockdown. He has facilitated men's groups for 20 years, worked as a personal development consultant for 30 years and trains men and women to effectively communicate with men. His groups take the edge of mental health issues, reduce suicide and domestic violence figures and empower men to communicate and contribute to their families, communities and be the change they want see in society. He has worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta (pics available) and his mental health / refugee story is available here https://www.kennydcruz.com/about-me/


Press Contacts