Our groups run because volunteers give their time to hold space for other men. In this spotlight, we caught up with Charlie, one of our facilitators, about what brought him to Men Who Talk and what he has taken from it.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What do you get up to outside of Men Who Talk, and how long have you been volunteering with us?
My name is Charlie, and I moved to the UK from Hong Kong last year. My background is a mix of commercial experience in sales and operations management and professional counselling. I am a certified practising counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). I have been volunteering with Men Who Talk for about four months. I love travelling, not just to explore different cultures but also to recharge.
What made you want to volunteer with Men Who Talk?
I would like to thank the male clients I worked with during my placement while completing my master’s degree in counselling. Their feedback really motivated me to support men’s mental health. I also wanted to build my network in the field, and Men Who Talk felt like a great place to start.
Was there anything about men’s mental health, or peer support in particular, that drew you in?
Some men are willing to talk about their challenges, but they don’t always have good listeners around them. I have also found peer support groups powerful for helping participants, and even facilitators, with self-reflection.
What does a typical session look like from where you’re sitting?
A session usually starts with a brief introduction to Men Who Talk and the ground rules for the space. Everyone introduces themselves, and then we hand the floor to the participants.
What did you expect before your first group, and how has the reality compared?
Before my first group, I was concerned that everyone would only talk about their own issues. In reality, participants find common ground and support each other in the conversation.
What do you enjoy most about facilitating?
Seeing familiar faces. When people come back, it shows they trust us and feel comfortable in the space we provide.
Has volunteering given you anything you didn’t expect?
It has given me the chance to listen to lots of different accents from across the country. I can feel my English listening improving through volunteering with Men Who Talk.
What do you think men get from sitting in a room, even a virtual one, with others who just get it?
I can see that men feel more comfortable talking about their issues when they are together. They may find it easier to be understood, because others often share similar experiences to some degree. Most importantly, they feel heard.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering who isn’t sure they’re “qualified” or ready?
Being genuine is essential, because participants can feel it. It is also important to stay open to learning, because we all learn from experience.
What would you say to a man who’s curious about joining a group but nervous about actually turning up?
If you are curious but nervous, just sign up and see whether the space is right for you. You are welcome to only listen if that feels more comfortable.
Thank you, Charlie, for the time you give and for sharing this with us.
If you’d like to become a Men Who Talk Volunteer Facilitator, you can find out more here: https://menwhotalk.org/volunteer/
