Research – Menfulness

We’re proud to have partnered with York St John University and the Institute of Social Justice for a complete evaluation of Menfulness, culminating in a conference in July 2024 showcasing the data to academics and stakeholders. We present the 5 major findings in the YouTube shorts below, plus a summary of graphics from the report along with insights about what the results mean to the charity, our members and the wellbeing of men involved with us.

This work will continue and undoubtedly shape the future of our charity and which is why we’ve affectionately named this work: Menfulness 2.0.

You can read and download the groundbreaking report in full as well as see our research paper into ‘What do men gain from listening to men’s mental health podcast episodes?’

If you have any questions we’d love to hear from you.

The chart shows low levels of mental health before joining our groups. Many men also experienced anger and 17 men attempted to take their own life. Since joining there have been big improvements across the board with none attempting to take their own life.

This is an important finding in light of the fact that men do not traditionally seek help during periods of mental distress and many studies indicate this as a real barrier to reducing anxiety, depression and suicidal acts.

This shift suggests the positive impact Menfulness may be having on facilitating closer relationships. These findings may be important in light of research suggesting traditional masculine norms may inhibit men from forming close relationships with other men.

Results suggest the primary benefits for men in a male-only group are feeling understood and accepted. The lower significance placed on shared enjoyments or similar values suggests that having superficial commonalities is less important.

The data from our survey showed that Menfulness attracts a wide age range with members from 18-77 years old. Notably, we are clearly attracting men from nationally recognised 'at risk' groups.

If we can help our members maximise their emotional intelligence then we believe this can change the narrative around men's mental health, including that men 'don't, won't or can't talk about their feelings'

We literally wouldn't be where we are without the ideas and efforts of those blokes who have decided they want to give back to our charity. We're over the moon that their experience could be captured in the York St John research evaluation.

Menfulness does not only support men with understanding and improving their mental health, but we support husbands to reconnect with their partners, fathers to reconnect with their kids, and staff members to connect with their work and their colleagues.

With over 2000 hours per month of volunteer time given to Menfulness, we recognise the importance of having a trusted and motivated team of volunteers.

The research team wanted to understand how Menfulness attracts new volunteers and what motivates people to develop new activity groups. In order to do this, they carried out three face-to-face interviews with men who had been on this journey.

The data shows active engagement with Menfulness through a number of online platforms and offline events. This diverse engagement underscores the organisation’s ability to connect across platforms with members.

The researchers described it as an alternative version of football characterised by a non-competitive ethos. Participants note the remarkable inclusivity of the group and emphasise it's welcoming atmosphere.

The Breakfast club is a less intense experience than the Talk group with men feeling more relaxed. This group offers the opportunity for men to develop friendships with people who may have the same interests or who are at the same stage of life.

There is a real honesty in the Talk group where men are free to express some very deep feelings and disclose private thoughts and ideas. Men recognised other men as human beings who are free to cry and express themselves in new ways.

The podcasts are an effective way for men to begin the process of reflection on their own attitudes and behaviours in terms of what it means to be a man.

The research found that the podcast is characterised by; Honest vulnerability; A shared objective of understanding the issues faced by men; Critical enquiry of the reasons behind men's reluctance to communicate about their mental health.

The research found that while Menfulness meets most of these objectives it does not actively encourage the setting of specific personal goals. This was found to be what participants want from a men's group.

"Menfulness provides a range of activities which encourage members to attend a number of different sessions and meet different people. It's clear that there is no pressure for men to talk but they are encouraged to do so if they wish."

The Samaritans research suggests men's wellbeing services should offer frequent sessions to give the best chance of building relationships and aim to build rapport and communication among participants as time goes on.

The York St John Research found the Menfulness provides detailed descriptions of what to expect at their activities.

The report states: 'Menfulness promote a culture of openness, inclusivity and friendliness which runs through their promotional materials.

The York St John Research found that Menfulness volunteers greet new participants and introduce them to the rest of the group to ensure they feel welcome, and there's no membership and low cost free events.

The York St John research measured us against this principle and found that we offer a diverse range of activities, many of which are task orientated as well as a number of groups specifically designed to give men the opportunity to communicate.

The Samaritans research suggested that men's wellbeing services should frame promotional materials and early engagement around activities and make only subtle implications or references to socialising in advertising materials.

The Samaritans conducted research to understand how services could be designed to effectively engage men in wellbeing initiatives. Findings were compiled in the handbook Engaging Men Earlier: A Guide to Service Design.

The York St John research found that we offer a diverse range of activities, many of which are task orientated as well as a number of groups specifically designed to give men the opportunity to communicate.

Most respondents reside in YO32 with 17.1% of members living there. This area includes Haxby, Huntington, New Earswick, and Strensall. The second most popular area is YO24 which includes Acomb, Dringhouses and Woodthorpe.

The data shows the majority of respondents have managerial type occupations indicating members may earn mid-level salaries and have ‘people management’ responsibilities.

The data shows active engaging with Menfulness through a number of platforms and events. This underscores the organisation’s ability to connect with members across multiple platforms and activities.

There's a strong and growing community here, but you still won't feel like 'the new guy'. If you've just moved here or are trying to socialise despite feeling anxious, you can be confident you're joining along with new people. Many of whom stick around to maintain their wellbeing for many years.

From 282 respondents, 53% have been members of Menfulness for over a year and 27% have been involved for less than six months. This suggests we are not only growing, we are retaining member engagement over long periods.

Age Groups

As well as knowing we're definitely reaching the people who need us most, we can also assure you that there is a community for you here at Menfulness, whatever your age group.

The data from our survey showed that Menfulness attracts a wide age range with members from 18-77 years old. Notably, we are clearly attracting men from nationally recognised 'at risk' groups.

Menfulness 2.0 - Research Project

We're so proud to present the findings of our year long evaluation of service report. Thanks to York St John and the Institute for Social Justice for supporting this work.

Our Researchers

We'd like to thank Dr Gary Shepherd (Lead Researcher) and Holly Murphy (Research Assistant) for believing in and involving us in the creation and delivery of this undeniable data. We've all loved every second of working together.