STUDENT LIFE: Nurse graduate and Edge Hill alumni Paige Rivers and sports development officer, Jack McFen feature on the new Edge Ahead podcast

This November, amidst the observance of Men’s Mental Health Month—Movember—Edge Hill University has launched a thought-provoking podcast series, “What’s in Your Head.” The second episode features nurse graduate and alumni Paige Rivers and sports development officer Jack McFen, who delve into the pressing need for open conversations about mental health. Their discussion not only highlights personal journeys of resilience but also serves as a catalyst for actionable change within the university community.

Transformative Stories of Survival

Paige Rivers’s story is one of extraordinary courage and transformation. “I was given an opportunity to go to a hospital in London,” she recalls, her voice steady yet emotional. “I was told that was my last chance and then I’d need to go on to palliative care. When I was there, everything changed. I disclosed my trauma, and I turned a corner.” For Paige, her battle with childhood trauma and anorexia brought her to the brink of death, a stark reminder of the often invisible battles many face.

As she shared her intimate experience of navigating a health system that had largely overlooked her, it became clear that her journey was not solely personal but deeply interconnected with a wider societal issue. According to Dr. Emily Brooks, a psychologist specializing in student mental health, “Most mental health approaches tend to generalize experiences, but individual stories—like Paige’s—open up essential dialogues that can lead to recovery and support.”

The Birth of Monumental

Her struggles and triumphs inspired the co-founding of Monumental, a peer support initiative aimed specifically at men, an underrepresented demographic in mental health discussions. “In years of treatment, I never saw a male,” Paige admitted, emphasizing the often gendered landscape of mental health support. “Men also suffer with mental health, with eating disorders, and the support isn’t tailored to them.”

Co-founder Jack McFen shared his own struggles with mental health and the vital role that physical activity plays in maintaining his well-being. “Finding outlets like going to the gym and adhering to a good routine has been essential for me,” he mentioned during the podcast. He aspires to create preventive programs that offer emotional support before crises arise. “We want to have a group where there’s a safe space for men to be open and honest,” he added. “We want to remove the ego and help each other thrive.”

A New Approach to Mental Health

The Monumental program runs bi-weekly and combines both structured discussions and social activities like pool and table tennis. This focus on community and camaraderie is a nuanced approach to mental health support. Rather than just addressing mental illness, Monumental aims to equip participants with a “toolbox” for managing mental health proactively. As a case study published by the Journal of Mental Health in Education suggests, peer-led initiatives have shown a 50% increase in participants’ confidence to discuss mental health issues openly.

• Social Activities: Engaging in games like pool and table tennis fosters community.
• Structured Discussions: Focus on resilience and coping mechanisms.
• Toolbox Approach: Equips participants for ongoing mental health management rather than reactive responses.

The Power of the Podcast

Their podcast episode is both a platform for shared experiences and a call to action. Hosted by Gareth Roberts and Chris Kirkland, the discussions emphasize the power of talking about mental health as a crucial step toward wellness. With plans for at least one new episode each month, listeners can expect to hear a mixture of expert insights and inspirational stories, making mental health conversations accessible and engaging. 

Jack eloquently summarizes their aims: “We want to create an environment where discussions about mental health are normalized, not stigmatized.” This proactive approach to mental wellness is underscored by research from the University of Cambridge, which found that regular peer-led support initiatives can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by up to 40%.

Join the Conversation

For students and staff alike, the podcast and Monumental initiative embody a vital response to the growing need for mental health resources and support. Edge Hill University continues to strengthen its commitment to student well-being, offering dedicated resources to address mental health and wellness needs.

As Paige and Jack’s stories reveal, the journey to mental wellness is often uncharted but can lead to incredible transformations. Whether on campus or tuning in from a distance, Edge Hill invites everyone to join the conversation on mental health and to contribute to a community that prioritizes well-being.

Source: www.inyourarea.co.uk