Men’s Mental Health Event Shines a Light on Wellbeing

7th May 2025

In December 2024, NPTC Group and Chambers Wales collaborated to host a men’s mental health event at The Pavilion, LLandarcy Academy of Sport. The gathering aimed to foster open conversations about mental health, offering attendees a safe space to share their experiences and engage in meaningful discussions.
 
 
 

A Day of Connection and Reflection

The event, hosted by Lloyd Ashley of the WRPA, featured a Team Drumming workshop and a Sharing event, where participants could tell their stories in a supportive environment. The intimate setting allowed for deep and personal conversations, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness, especially among 45-49-year-old males, a demographic with the highest suicide rate per 100,000 at 33.5%.

Inspiring Guest Speakers

One of the standout moments of the event was a presentation by Andrew Jenkins, known for his appearance on the TV show “The Traitors”. Andrew shared his remarkable journey of recovery after being pronounced dead at the side of the road 23 years ago following a devastating accident at the age of 20. A proud Welshman from Rhondda, Andrew has faced immense challenges but continues to inspire others with his resilience. Fresh from completing The Big Trek, a 1,200-mile journey across the UK to raise £100,000 for the charity Headway, Andrew brought a message of hope and perseverance to the event.

“Having attended this event, I felt it gave people a chance to open and express their feelings regarding any issues they had. Lloyd was an excellent host, and the guest speakers were inspirational.
It showed that all sorts of people can be affected by Mental Health issues and how well it is masked by a person’s appearance and personality” – Robert Harris, NPTC Group of Colleges

 

Panel Discussion on Mental Health

A panel discussion featuring Andrew Jenkins, Ryan Bevington, and Sam Green provided further insight into mental health and wellbeing. The speakers shared their personal experiences, offering valuable perspectives on overcoming struggles and supporting one another.

“The Men’s Health Event was extremely powerful and provided the right environment for people to share stories in a way that was comfortable for each individual. These stories not only came from the excellent panel but also from attendees who no doubt hasn’t intended to share but the environment allowed them to do so. I look forward to similar events in the near future.” – Martyn Wagstaff, Springfield Advisory

 

Building a Supportive Community

The event not only encouraged open dialogue but also provided attendees with the opportunity to engage with the Chamber Event and connect with others facing similar challenges. Conversations flowed throughout the day, reinforcing the importance of community support in tackling mental health issues.
By bringing together individuals from different backgrounds including members of the WRU, the event underscored the significance of mental health awareness and the need for continued efforts to support men in their wellbeing journeys.

“The event was fantastic in bringing together likeminded men to explore emotional health, resilience and tools to support everyday challenges that we experience as part of our working and personal life.
All the men who attended the event showed huge courage and vulnerability to discuss personal challenges and offer on going connection and support to everyone in attendance.
Chambers Wales looks forward to continuing their Men’s Health Network in partnership with the membership and partners on a quarterly basis throughout 2025 and beyond “ – Dai Rees, Chambers Wales

 

Expanding Support Through Mental Health Education

Understanding and responding to mental health challenges requires knowledge, compassion, and practical skills. To help individuals and workplaces foster a supportive environment, we offer courses tailored to mental health awareness and intervention:

  • Level 1 Award in Awareness for Mental Health First Aid – A foundational course that introduces the importance of mental health support, helping individuals recognise signs of distress and engage in early intervention.
  • Level 2 Award in Mental Health First Aid – This training provides participants with essential tools to assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis, offering strategies to manage conversations, provide reassurance, and direct individuals toward professional help.
  • Level 3 Award in Supervising Mental Health First Aid – A specialised course designed for leaders, managers, and professionals who oversee teams. It equips supervisors with the knowledge and confidence to create mental health-conscious workplaces and support employees effectively.

These courses provide vital education in identifying, understanding, and responding to mental health concerns, empowering communities and workplaces to reduce stigma, improve well-being, and foster open conversations.

Upcoming Events

Following the success of the men’s mental health event last December, Chambers Wales are hosting more gatherings this week! These events will continue the vital conversations surrounding mental well-being for both Men and Women, creating safe spaces for individuals to connect, share, and gain support. These sessions aim to empower attendees with valuable insights and tools to navigate their mental health journey. Click below to learn more or register.

Chambers Wales Women’s Network Thriving At Work – Members Only Event Tickets, Thu, May 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM

Chambers Men’s Health Network Managing Stress at Work- Members Only Tickets, Fri, May 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM

For further information on our Mental Health courses, please contact us on 0330 818 8100 or business@nptcgroup.ac.uk