British expats Manny Djornor and Kori Lindsay are making waves in Dubai with their mental health platform, Men-tality, challenging stereotypes and sparking vital conversations about relationships and mental well-being. They recently led a panel discussion called ‘Bridging the Pillow Gap’ in Dubai’s Design District, bringing together a diverse audience of both men and women to foster understanding about the challenges men face and to explore how everyone can contribute to navigating through these experiences together.
Their primary aim is to bring the topic of men’s mental health to the forefront and remove the stigma attached to it, and simultaneously bridge the gap between the sexes. Through diverse channels like social media, podcasts, workshops, and panel discussions, Men-tality aims to create a space for men to ‘evolve into better individuals’ within the societies they inhabit while encouraging women to join, listen, share, and participate in the conversations.
Kori, a former commercial gym trainer, launched his platform, Perfiit Training, empowering individuals to take charge of their fitness and health. On the other hand, Manny, having started as a professional footballer before entering the corporate world, eventually found himself navigating disaster relief in the UAE. Then, in 2021, a conversation with Kori led to the birth of Men-tality.
Their first event in March 2021, ‘Men Don’t Cry’, was a success, attracting a room full of people willing to speak about vulnerable moments they’ve been through. Since then, the platform has expanded its events and diversified its range of services, including a growing database of service providers for those in need.
Men-tality plays a crucial role in addressing the often-overlooked issue of men’s emotional well-being, as men are twice as likely to die by suicide as women. The platform not only impacts its users but also the co-founders themselves, leading to exponential growth and the therapeutic element of speaking to their former selves.
By shattering stereotypes and providing a safe space for authentic and transparent conversations, Men-tality is breaking new ground in the mental health sphere. With their innovative approach and inclusive mindset, it is poised to make a significant impact in Dubai and beyond.
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