Navigating personal and professional challenges while maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being is increasingly demanding for men, with societal and self-imposed expectations constantly evolving. Men in the Hood is an 8-month proactive well-being initiative designed to provide men with practical self-care tools, fostering awareness, balance, and personal growth. Many men tend to put self-care last, but this program offers a safe, supportive environment where they can pause, reflect, connect, and actively work on themselves.
At its core, Men in the Hood is focused on three outcomes: improving overall well-being, strengthening relationships and communication skills, and reducing stress while building emotional resilience. Unlike reactive programs that respond to crises, this initiative takes a preventative approach, supporting men before issues escalate. It is community-based, bringing together local men to participate in all experiences in one accessible location, rather than dispersed or siloed settings. Each session is carefully designed and facilitated to ensure continuity and real behavioural change, with activities, reflection, and journaling woven throughout.
The program consists of nine experiences held every four weeks over eight months, including:
The journey begins with a program launch, followed by circles and workshops covering topics such as men’s work exploration, cooking, habit creation, breathwork and mindfulness, and emotional literacy, culminating in a reflective program close.
Participants receive journals to capture insights, fortnightly “nudge” emails to maintain engagement, and peer support for mentorship and accountability.
In my presentation, I will share program demographics, highlighting the diverse men drawn to this initiative, and discuss the evaluation methods used at the end of each session. I will also present mid-program feedback and outcomes, showcasing the tangible impact of Men in the Hood. Finally, the session will conclude with a Q&A, providing an opportunity to discuss the program’s design, approach, and outcomes, and to explore how such community-based initiatives can make a real difference in men’s well-being.