Mind Over Masculinity: Our Young Men's Mental Health Impact Report

More Than A Mental Health Group

Mind Over Masculinity was created to challenge and break down the stigma surrounding men's mental health. Delivered weekly with college students and monthly with sixth formers, each session provides a safe, relaxed and non-judgemental environment where young men can openly discuss their thoughts, emotions and experiences while developing practical strategies to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Sessions are informal and engaging — icebreaker activities like table tennis competitions help create a relaxed atmosphere before conversations move on to mental health. The popularity of the group speaks for itself: attendance has been consistently high, with some college students coming in on their days off because they value the sessions so highly.

What We Talk About

Across the programme, sessions have explored a wide range of topics, including:

• Understanding mental health, anxiety and the stress response
• Coping strategies and emotional regulation skills
• Low mood and loneliness
• Body image and self-esteem
• Social media, and finding a healthy balance between online and offline life
• Healthy relationships and building connections
• Gender stereotypes and expectations
• The positive impact of exercise, healthy eating and good sleep
• Why men's mental health is so often overlooked

Every session encourages discussion, reflection and practical application, so participants can relate each topic to their own lives and experiences.

The Difference It's Making

Many of the young men attending have become increasingly confident discussing their mental health — several spoke about their mental health diagnoses for the first time within the group, a real sign of the trust built in the sessions.

One participant, whose confidence had been knocked by concerns about his body image, used discussions around healthy eating, exercise and self-esteem to build a realistic workout plan and healthier habits. As his confidence grew, he stopped hiding under oversized clothing — and started chatting to other students around college.

Another young man learned to accept his stutter rather than letting the fear of judgement stop him from engaging socially. A third challenged the belief that talking about mental health would bring shame on his family, and now feels comfortable asking for support when he needs it. And one participant who initially felt unable to speak openly about his sexuality found the group a safe, respectful space — and with the acceptance of his peers came a significant boost in self-confidence and wellbeing.

What People Say

“These groups are great. Lots to take in, but all done in a relaxed and non-judgemental way.”

“I enjoy having the opportunity to discuss different sides of mental health with another man.”

“The lads attending the groups are absolutely loving it. It is so beneficial to them… words cannot express the impact these sessions are having on our young men at the campus.” — teaching staff

Read The Full Report

The full impact report covers the programme in more detail, including the challenges we’ve navigated, our plans to make the group even more inclusive, and what’s next. Read the Mind Over Masculinity impact report here.

If you or a young man you know could use free, early mental health support in Swindon, you don’t have to face things alone — get in touch with our team to take the first step.