Senior Facilities Manager for Transport and Equipment, Andy Mould-Lowe, (pictured with his moustache coming on nicely) has taken part in the annual Movember campaign for 10 years. He said: "I do it for a couple of reasons. Firstly I've lost close friends due to mental health when they've felt that there isn't a way forward. Secondly, to hopefully highlight the stigma of men's health in general. Although it is getting better, there's still, in my opinion we as men tend to leave things until it's a bigger issue than getting things dealt with!!"
Over the month we’ve shared hints and tips to get people talking in different ways about men’s physical and mental health. This week the focus is on connection and empathy.
Our connections with people are a game-changer in any form of health recognition and support. It’s about bridging the gaps around isolation, whether that's raising our awareness/knowledge or normalising talk of feelings. Connections with others are our strongest support. We know that staying silent affects our physical and mental health.
Everyone can use the A.L.E.C. model to support a colleague
The Movember movement suggests a simple framework called A.L.E.C. to navigate a conversation if you think someone might be finding things tough or afraid to open up on potential health issues
- A - ASK: Start simple. "You haven't seemed yourself lately - are you okay?" If they say "I'm fine," Ask Twice. A genuine, "Is that a real fine or a fake fine?" signals you actually care and can give someone that allowance to open up.
- L - LISTEN: Give them your full attention. This is where the magic happens (see the video below!).
- E - ENCOURAGE ACTION: Help them focus on simple steps. "Have you thought about speaking to the GP?" or "How about we check out the Occupational Health pages?"
- C - CHECK IN: Pop a note in your diary to catch up again next week.
Empathy and sympathy are not the same
When we listen to a colleague who is struggling, our instinct is often to try and "fix it" or look for a silver lining ("At least you still have..."). However, as this brilliant animation by Brené Brown explains, there is a huge difference between sympathy (which can drive disconnection) and empathy (which fuels connection).
Empathy isn't about having the right answer. It's about climbing down into the hole with someone and saying, "I know what it's like down here, and you are not alone". As Brown says: "Rarely can a response make something better. What makes something better is connection."
Andy's Man Club are coming to CHS and CHFT this Thursday, 27th November
As part of CHS’s Winter Wellness Week, and in conjunction with the team behind CHFT’s Movember campaign, we’re pleased to say that Andy's Man Club will be joining us this week. All colleagues are welcome to join the session on Thursday, 27th November, 14:30 to 15:30 on the top floor of Acre Mills, Rooms 3 and 4.
To register your interest, please fill out this form: Andy's Man Club Meeting – Fill in form. If there is enough demand, CHS will see if another session can be added on the same day.