The Panel shall receive a presentation by We Power On: Supporting men’s mental health and wellbeing in Epsom and Ewell.
Speaker: Chris Waller – Founder of We Power On.
Minutes:
The Panel received a presentation from Chris Waller – founder of We Power On.
The following matters were considered by the Panel:
a) It was noted that the speaker’s work is inspiring and extremely important. It was questioned what more can be done as Councillors and as a society to support this. It was stated that doing more talking and asking around this subject helps. It was also stated that our culture has changed in a way that mental health has become more of a focal point. However, it was stated that the societal expectation of what goes on needs to change. Walks aren’t a ‘fix all’ but they aim to help people to make a start and feel as though they belong there. If you save one man’s life, you’ve saved a whole family and network of grief. A further question was asked around how one can recognise mental health struggles in people. It was noted that by having more groups, being honest, and giving people the space to share their struggles, we will be able to pick up on these struggles more. It was also stated that help around this topic starts in the home, through education, being aware, listening deeply instead of listening to what we want to hear and asking someone how they really feel.
b) It was stated that men’s mental health is a huge crisis in this country, and that there is a job in all of us to support this, to enable it and to listen. It’s about recognising it and realising it, really listening and hearing between the lines. It was noted that the subject matter discussed by the speaker resonates with regards to loneliness. The more we speak about it and embrace it, the more it helps one another. Walking is a fantastic ice breaker as you’re not required to look at the person you’re walking with.
c) A question was posed to the speaker regarding numbers for their weekly mental health walks and whether the numbers ever become too large and people get missed out. It was stated that over the last couple of months the speaker has been reminding the regular members of the walking group to keep their head up, know the walk, know the path and look around at their surroundings. These members have expressed an interest in completing Mental Health First Aid training and becoming a walk leader to prepare for the steady increase in numbers that have been noticed. The regular members’ attendance allows the speaker to move through the group, even at larger capacity, and check in on other participants.
d) It was stated that the Council are hugely supportive of what the speaker does, and it is very powerful. When considering suicidality, it often feels as though it only happens to other people and would never happen so close to home. However, it’s only when it gets close to home that the impact becomes prevalent. The stigma around seeking help via Samaritans for example is a lot greater than attending a mental health walk on the Downs, people are more likely to open up.
e) The speaker was thanked once again for their incredibly inspiring story and presentation. It was noted that the Council will be an advocate in supporting the speaker’s holistic approach as it is having a great impact on our residents. It was also stated that it’s fantastic to know there is something on our doorstep that local men can join and feel part of a community again. The speaker noted that an impact can be made in Epsom through the past 2 years of networking and connection building. The aim is to make Epsom a happy and friendly borough where people don’t feel lonely.