Nearly half of British men say no one has asked them how they are coping during lockdown according to new research from men’s health charity Movember. Yet 83% find it helpful when people ask if they’re having a difficult time. Hopefully, with our focus on mental wellbeing and staying connected during lockdown the male members of the Richmond Rugby family feel more supported than average!

So, why is nobody asking them? According to Brendan Maher, Movember’s Global Director of Mental Health, “People know it’s important to have conversations to support others; however, confidence and knowledge around how to do this with men is low. What’s making things even harder are the challenges thrown up by COVID-19, and its consequences of physical distancing, job loss, financial stress and strain on relationships.”

Movember’s Director of Mental Health Training, Dr Zac Seidler, explains “We know men deal with challenges differently. Men are much less likely to pick up the phone and talk through a tough situation they’re facing or about how they’re feeling. In today’s environment of physical distancing, men can’t hang out shoulder-to-shoulder the way they used to, and they’ve lost those typical forms of connection like team sport or the pub!”

Movember Conversations

This is a new easy-to-use interactive online tool, that offers practical guidance on how to start a difficult conversation and support someone who is struggling. It is based on the proven ALEC framework (Ask, Listen, Encourage action, Check-in), and presents a number of scenarios particularly relevant in today’s COVID-19 world: job loss, social isolation and family pressures. It uses simulated conversations to explore and practise how you might navigate a difficult conversation with someone you care about.

Movember’s Maher again: “We know these conversations can often feel uncomfortable or awkward, checking in on your mates and loved ones can make the world of difference. Don’t assume they don’t want to be bothered or don’t want to talk. Just making the call can go a long way.”

“The ultimate result is the man at the other end of the conversation feels heard, connected and supported.”

Click here to find out more.

Webinars for week commencing June 8th:

Monday 3pm-4pm: Carers - Mental Wellbeing and Burnout

Thrive are hosting an exclusive webinar for those who care for others in aid of National Carers Week.

- What is burnout and how to detect it?
- Why is burnout more common amongst healthcare workers and service industries?
- Why burnout can lead to compassion fatigue
- Interventions and management

Their special guest is Jamie Broadley - Staff Wellbeing Lead at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust - who will give an exclusive insight into wellbeing and how burnout affects NHS staff.

Wednesday 11am-12pm: Menopause Matters

Hosted by Thrive CEO Dr Andres Fonseca and Thrive business psychologist Elissa Makris

- What is the menopause?
- What are the symptoms?
- Managing the symptoms

Friday 11am-12pm: Preparing to Return to Work and Adjusting to the ‘New Normal’

Hosted by Thrive CEO Dr Andres Fonseca and Thrive business psychologist Emily Cook

- Ask us anything...
- As many of us prepare to begin the transition to return back to the workplace, whether that be in the same way as before or with significant adjustments, there is bound to be some apprehension or nervousness. This interactive session will start by addressing some of the challenges people might be faced with over the coming weeks and months.
- Andres and Emily will then be answering any and all of your questions about how to deal with the transition.

Click here to register for any of these webinars

Previous Thrive webinars can be found on the Thrive YouTube channel here.