What’s Ur Story (Mental Health) event unites men for football and chat

Men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women, according to statistics from The Samaritans*.

This is why a new series of events organised by London-based social enterprise, The MABA Group, aims to bring younger and older men together to support each other and discuss their challenges. This groundbreaking initiative aims to help foster connections between young men and older men who share common interests, struggles and experiences.

The first event, being held on 15 June, the day before Father’s Day, aims to use the power of football to bring men together and have a chance to talk about their issues. As well as a friendly football match, there also will be various talks put on for the day, facilitated by the experts at the MABA Group, which specialises in helping young people through sport, education and music.

This event, to be held at the Phoenix Centre, Croydon, will provide a platform to allow individuals to meet, connect and relate to one another, with the goal of providing support, guidance and advice to help navigate life’s challenges – all whilst experiencing a shared joy in football.

Jean-Terach Bavangila, mentor and CEO of the MABA Group social enterprise explained: “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.”

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 first What’s Ur Story (Mental Health) event will be held on Saturday 15 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

ENDS

* Samaritans Suicide Factsheet: https://www.samaritans.org/about-samaritans/research-policy/suicide-facts-and-figures/latest-suicide-data/

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About The MABA Group

The MABA Group CIC is a mobile Social Enterprise organisation dedicated to empowering the betterment of all people in general but with a particular focus on young people. The organisation focuses on teaching life skills through sports, music, creative arts and education, both privately and through working with local government organisations. As well as working with people with special needs and rehabilitating ex young offenders, the organisation also provides a career mentoring service, CV-building service and expert health and wellness advice for those in need.

Website: https://themabagroup.com

About Jean-Terach Bavangila

Jean-Terach Bavangila, known to most as JT, CEO of the MABA Group social enterprise, is an ex-professional footballer, mentor, coach and public speaker. He came to the UK as a war refugee at the age of just four from the Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville) and grew up in one of the most deprived areas of east Hackney, suffering homelessness, bullying and extreme poverty. However, two things saved him from sinking into a life of hopelessness and deprivation – football and his father’s inclination to take in fellow refugees, many of whom became mentors to him. Now that he has retired from professional football, JT has a mission to mentor and empower young people, particularly from deprived backgrounds to live the lives they deserve and follow their dreams. JT is a popular public speaker and is available to speak at any event on a range of topics. He can be contacted on: 07474571002 or via LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-terach-bavangila

info@themabagroup.com