With suicide being the leading cause of death in young men, London-based social enterprise, The MABA Group CIC, is working hard to save lives by launching a groundbreaking series of events. Their first event, What’s Ur Story (Mental Health), will be held at the Phoenix Centre in Croydon on Saturday, June 15, 2024. The event has received significant sponsorship from Mark Martin, MBE – Co-Founder of UKBlackTech, a leading UK company that aims to increase community wealth through innovation, tech, and digital skills.
Connecting Young and Older Men
This innovative series of events leverages the power of football to foster connections between young men and older men who share common interests, struggles, and experiences. The brainchild of ex-professional footballer Jean-Terach Bavangila (JT), founder of the MABA Group, and award-winning football content creator Tobrise Chinosa, the event aims to address mental health issues.
Overcoming Adversity
JT overcame poverty, poor mental health, and personal adversity to achieve his dream. Tobrise, now a qualified Mental Health Champion, has also faced numerous challenges. Together, they’ve teamed up to launch this event, hoping to inspire others to overcome mental health struggles.
Talks and Dialogue
In addition to a friendly football match, the event will feature various talks facilitated by experts from the MABA Group. The organisation specialises in helping young people through sport, education, and music. By bridging the gap between different generations and groups, the event aims to challenge stigmas around men’s mental health and emphasise the importance of intergenerational dialogue and understanding.
Jean-Terach Bavangila, mentor and CEO of the MABA Group social enterprise, expressed gratitude for UKBlackTech’s generous sponsorship. He emphasised the need to encourage men to talk about their problems and promote emotional well-being across various professions.
Mark Martin, MBE, Co-Founder of UKBlackTech, endorsed and sponsored the “What’s Ur Story (Mental Health)” initiative, recognising the power of shared experiences and community in addressing mental health issues.
