The Ministry of Equality’s second event to mark International Men’s Day attracted a full audience on Tuesday night. The event, which was a fireside chat and was held at the Mayor’s Parlour, aimed  to break the stigma around men’s mental health and well-being. 

A statement from the Government follows below:

Minister for Equality, the Hon Christian Santos GMD, MP, opened the event focusing on the  importance of addressing the mental health and well-being needs of boys and men and the need  to eradicate any barriers that may prevent them from seeking help, advice, and support. 

Moderator and facilitator for the event, Sean Keating, Senior Well-Being Officer for HMGoG and  lead for ‘Walking Together’, a support group for those bereaved by suicide, skilfully led the panel  discussion which featured Navin Mayani, founder of Cye-Cyl, Alfred Rovegno, Firefighter and  Wellbeing Officer and Counsellor for Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service and Wayne Tunbridge,  former police Superintendent at the Royal Gibraltar Police. 

In a very frank and open discussion the panelists shared several of their personal experiences  including navigating their own mental health challenges, lessons learned from that and supporting  others experiencing similar issues in a professional context. 

Sean Keating explained his rationale for participating in the event: “My decision to take part in the  panel was based on how many people I am supporting due to the number of men we have lost to  suicide as well as my own lived experiences/ struggles and exposure to mental health in my family.  Also, of course in my role as Senior Wellbeing Support officer where I am supporting an increasing  number of men with mental health challenges. I believe we need to break the stigma of men talking  openly about mental health, we can only do that by opening up ourselves however vulnerable that  might make us.” 

Wayne Tunbridge said, “Mental Health issues are real and can affect everyone, as it will never  discriminate against age, gender or race. Admitting you need help is not a sign of weakness, in fact  it shows great strength, courage and being brutally honest to yourself. Look in the mirror and tell  yourself how proud you are of what you've achieved, you are trying your best. Remember, on our  journeys there is only forward, always forward.” 

Navin Mayani added, "Our mind is a powerful tool that generates more than 60,000 thoughts a  day. We can choose to have thoughts that self-sabotage, or ones that uplift our spirits. Either way,  we have a choice. If we feel we aren't able to shift negative or challenging thoughts that trigger anxiety, sadness or worry, it is important to talk to someone. This can be a therapist, a friend or  someone we trust. Feeling heard, valued and understood can be transformative in our journey to  heal.” 

Alfred Rovegno said, “It is important to be aware of those around us, and know how to help them  when we ask them, ‘Are you okay?’ particularly when we see they are not coping with their daily  routines. Listening to someone and showing empathy goes a long way.” 

The Minister for Equality, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP said, “It’s been a real privilege to  hear directly from the moderator and panelists today. I would like to thank them for sharing their  lived experiences with a live audience, which is never an easy task, not least when the focus of the  discussion centres on very personal information. This bears testimony to the panelists’ and  moderator’s courage and concerted and altruistic efforts to support others. I am hugely indebted  to them all for taking part in this initiative to mark International Men’s Day, which I know has been  deeply meaningful and inspiring for all attendees. I hope that this event will encourage others to  reach out for the help they may need and that mental health issues will no longer carry the stigma  of the past.”