Groundbreaking Initiative Tackles Men’s Mental Health Crisis Through Football

LONDON, UK. 7th May, 2024 - In response to alarming statistics from The Samaritans revealing that men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women, The MABA Group, a London-based social enterprise, has announced an innovative series of events aimed at fostering connections and support among men of all ages.

Scheduled for June 15, 2024, the day before Father’s Day, the inaugural event, 'What’s Ur Story (Mental Health)', aims to unite younger and older men in a supportive environment. Here, they can discuss their shared interests, struggles, and experiences, all while enjoying the camaraderie of football.

The event will feature a blend of friendly football matches and expert-led talks, facilitated by the experts at the MABA Group, which specialises in helping young people through sport, education and music.

Jean-Terach Bavangila, mentor and CEO of the MABA Group social enterprise explains: “The main objective of our What’s Ur Story (Mental Health) event is to challenge the stigmas around men’s mental health. Men just don’t share about their problems which can lead to mental health issues and sadly suicide in some cases. We want to show men there is a way to thrive.”

“This series of events also aims to bridge the gap between different generations and groups, emphasising the importance of intergenerational dialogue and understanding. By bringing together individuals from diverse age groups, backgrounds, and experiences, the initiative seeks to demonstrate that no one is alone in their struggles and challenges,” he adds.

The day will provide a safe and supportive environment for men to share their stories, experiences, and concerns, knowing that they will be met with empathy, understanding, and encouragement from their counterparts. This sense of camaraderie and solidarity fosters a sense of belonging and community among attendees, empowering them to navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.

The event is a transformative initiative that benefits both young and older men alike. By fostering intergenerational connections, promoting empathy and understanding, and providing a platform for shared learning and support, it aims to empower men of all ages to build meaningful relationships, overcome challenges, and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

The inaugural What’s Ur Story (Mental Health) event will be held on Saturday 15th June at the Phoenix Centre. Spaces for the first event are extremely limited due to phenomenal demand but men are warmly invited to put their names down for future events by contacting The MABA Group at: info@themabagroup.com