This year, International Men’s Day is 19 November and the theme for 2024 is “Positive Male Role Models”. We spoke to one of our male colleagues, Bereavement Counsellor Chris, to learn more about what brought him to this role and how we can all benefit from opening up.

How long have you been a counsellor?

I’ve been fully qualified for just over a year. I have a BSc degree in Psychology and was lucky enough to get a placement as a student counsellor here at the Hospice. In the past, I’ve worked in Construction and Engineering which were very male-dominated areas at the time.

I was inspired to train in bereavement counselling after receiving it myself, following the death of my Dad. I found it helpful, and felt becoming a counsellor was a great way of giving back to my community too.

We know that, generally speaking, men are less likely to open up about their feelings and reach out for help. Why do you think this is?

More men than ever before are challenging past ideas about ‘masculine stereotypes’ and overcoming stigma, such as ‘fear’ that they might appear ‘weak’ if they seek support with their mental health issues. Times are changing for men with regards to talking openly about their feelings and reaching out for support.

What would you say to someone who is hesitating about reaching out for our help with any mental health service?

I would say, give it a go. Counselling and Psychotherapy both provide an empathetic, non-judgmental, and confidential safe space where you can discuss your mental health issues in private with someone trained to support you.

We have a number of support groups that run in the community – what could men gain by attending?

I’m pleased to say that our groups are attended by lots of men who are prepared to share their grief & loss stories with others. They gain a better understanding of their grief process and in turn help others through peer support. It’s good to see friendships bud and blossom from our peer support groups.

Is there anything else you think men should hear?

Men, we’ve come a long way over the last decade, let’s keep removing obstacles to talking about the things that bother us. Let’s make it even more socially acceptable for men to talk about their mental health without any stigma.

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If you’d like to talk to someone about a bereavement that you’ve experienced, or even one that you’re anticipating, our counselling team are available for 1-2-1 sessions. We also run regular support groups across Nottinghamshire that you can drop in on without needing to book.

Find out more on our Bereavement Support page.