MEN'S HEALTH & WELLBEING
Members of the Somali Fathers' Network taking part in a RISE Projects session.
The Somali Fathers' Network was created to give older Somali men
in Haringey a trusted place to meet, talk openly, access useful
information and connect with support in an environment where
language, culture and lived experience are understood.
RISE Projects established the network in May 2022 after identifying
that many Somali fathers were not engaging consistently with
mainstream services and often lacked spaces where they felt
comfortable discussing the issues affecting them.
The programme was developed by RISE Co-Founder Ahmed Mohamed and
grew into a regular Friday space combining social connection,
practical information and conversations around health,
wellbeing and everyday life.
Creating a place where men can talk
For some older men, isolation can become a significant issue.
Language barriers, unfamiliarity with services and previous
experiences can also make it harder to ask for help.
The network was designed around a simple principle: start by
creating a trusted environment where people feel comfortable
attending, building relationships and talking in their own time.
Sessions therefore combine informal social interaction with
practical support, visiting speakers and opportunities to learn
more about services available locally.
01
Social connection
A regular place for men to meet, talk and reduce isolation
through trusted community relationships.
02
Health & wellbeing
Conversations and workshops covering mental health,
wellbeing and other issues affecting men's lives.
03
Practical information
Support around finances, services, entitlements and
navigating organisations that can otherwise feel difficult to access.
04
Trusted referrals
Helping men connect with organisations and services where
further specialist support may be needed.
Financial inclusion workshop with members of the Somali Fathers' Network.
Practical support alongside wellbeing
Men's wellbeing is rarely about one issue in isolation.
Financial pressures, housing, family relationships, health,
employment and social isolation can all affect how someone feels
and whether they seek support.
The network therefore takes a broad approach. Workshops have
covered practical areas such as financial inclusion alongside
sessions focused on mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Bringing these conversations into a familiar community setting
can make information easier to understand and create opportunities
for men to ask questions that they may not raise elsewhere.
“The starting point is trust. When men feel comfortable,
listened to and respected, it becomes much easier to talk about
health, family, finances and the other pressures affecting
everyday life.”
Ahmed Mohamed, Lead Organiser
Mental health workshop with members of the Somali Fathers' Network.
Making conversations about mental health easier
Mental health can be difficult to discuss in any community,
particularly where people may worry about stigma, judgement or
whether services will understand their experiences.
The Somali Fathers' Network creates opportunities for these
conversations to happen gradually and in a setting built around
relationships rather than appointments.
RISE also works with local organisations, community centres,
faith organisations and other partners to help connect men with
wider support when needed.
COMMUNITY-BASED SUPPORT
Reaching people through relationships.
The network reflects a wider principle in RISE's work:
services become more accessible when people can first engage
somewhere they already know and trust. Community spaces can
provide a bridge between residents and the wider support systems
available around them.
Building stronger connections
The Somali Fathers' Network has also helped RISE build stronger
relationships with men who may previously have had limited
involvement with community organisations or public services.
Word of mouth remains important. Men who have had a positive
experience can encourage friends and relatives to attend,
helping trusted information and support reach further into
the community.
The experience of the network continues to inform RISE's wider
work around men's health, wellbeing and community connection.
Find current men's activities at RISE.
See the latest health, wellbeing and community activities
taking place throughout the week.
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