Innovation: Come on Man

Denmark

AAI Domains: Independent, healthy and secure living (mental well-being)

Mental health issues are very widespread in contemporary societies and we need to develop a range of approaches to support people at different stages in life when they experience difficulties. Access to talking therapies or support from somebody who understands what you are going through is often what is needed when people are experiencing a crisis. When people are facing a severe crisis they may commit suicide or harm themselves and there are many people who are better able to function in contemporary society when they are secure in knowing that they have social support available to them and they can talk through their problems.

There is generally a much greater likelihood that men will commit suicide whereas mental health problems can affect men and women at any stage in life but men are generally more reluctant to engage with health care services as admitting that they feel anxious or depressed challenges notions of masculinity.

Come On Man was an innovative pilot project developed in partnership between Frieze, a national voluntary organisation, and the public sector Social Development Centre. It initially ran from 2012–2016 and was aimed at men who were facing a crisis in their life such as becoming unemployed, becoming a father or experiencing a divorce. It was developed because it was recognised that men tend to have weaker social networks than women and so lack the social support that can help people to navigate through a difficult period in their lives.

Come On Man was a free course of eight weekly meetings in small groups of 6–8 men facilitated by a group leader with counselling skills to provide peer support and help men develop their coping skills to enhance their resilience. When people are experiencing a crisis in their lives it can feel like they are on their own when in reality there are many people facing a similar situation and in most cases a solution can be worked out. Although Come On Man operated on a small scale it is likely that it had a positive impact on the health and well-being of men who were experiencing a crisis in their life.

In relation to active ageing, Come On Man has a distinct gender focus as it aims to improve the mental well-being of men by developing peer support and enhancing coping strategies through social interaction in small groups. It is plausible that such an innovative project could have a positive impact on the mental well-being of men who are facing difficulties at transitional times in their life and even prevent suicides.