Strengthening men’s wellbeing: The New Masculinity

In 2022 there were six men who committed suicide in Okehampton, one of those was a regular at the community garden and to hear of his tragic end was heart-breaking. It made the people at the garden think that something needed to be done to help men with their mental health and wellbeing.

A meeting was set up with Paul Beard, an experienced wellbeing facilitator and they put together a monthly wellbeing program for men. This is funded by DCC and so it will be free to attend. In financially challenging times mental health gets put on the back burner as people prioritise their finances to maintaining the home and family.

Paul has put together a great series of workshops. The first one will be held on Monday, 20th March, at 7pm, in ‘The Heart Space’, Okehampton Community Garden. Places are limited, so please book to reserve your place, email [email protected].

Paul Beard is a local self-mastery and wellbeing teacher and coach; he will facilitate discussions and share some wellbeing top tips and practices in a way that works for you. Paul has taught and coached people for 20+ years both independently and in adult mental health and social care in both Devon and Bristol. Paul is passionate about teaching wellbeing skills and practices in a down-to-earth, accessible, and practical way so that people can go away and use them to make a real difference in their lives.

The workshop is for men who:

would like to improve their wellbeing, but are not sure how;

are feeling confined by what our traditional view of ‘masculinity’ dictates;

are interested in finding out how modern ‘liberating masculinity’ can help embrace wellbeing, free of hang ups.

If this if you, then you are invited to go along to any of the Men’s Wellbeing sessions over the next six months at Okehampton Community Garden.

Traditional views of masculinity tend make men feel trapped in an emotional straitjacket and can make men prone to selfishness, misogyny, stifling emotions and even violence. It limits possibilities and potential. In other words, traditional views of masculinity can quickly become what is known as ‘toxic masculinity.’

As an antidote, what some people call ‘liberating’ or ‘healthy’ masculinity is emerging. It builds on traditional masculine roles like the protector, provider and explorer, expanding men’s options to include compassion, collaboration, the courage to allow and express emotions, connecting with others and environmental stewardship.

Over the six sessions, ‘the five C’s’ will expand ideas of masculinity so that it strengthens wellbeing: Curiosity, Courage, Compassion, Connection and Commitment.

There is parking at the community garden and light refreshments will be provided. The aim is to provide a safe space for men to explore modern expressions of masculinity.