Mental health for men has been in the past a taboo subject, two Irishmen are changing this with a coffee and a bit of exercise.
Dave Eccles and Tadhg Kennelly the founders of When No One’s Watching (WNOW) share their story on The Experts podcast.
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The pandemic served as a catalyst, revealing the urgent need for connection and support among men. Tadhg explains how the isolation of losing his job led to a deep dive into his mental state, and it was Dave’s persistence that pulled him back from the brink. Their simple act of meeting for coffee evolved into a larger initiative, inviting others to join their conversations. Dave reflects, “By helping Tadhg through his moment, I think I was helping myself. We’re a believer that the most selfish thing you can do is do something for somebody else.”
As they began inviting friends to join them, WNOW organically grew into a community with 72 chapters across eight countries. Tadhg emphasizes the importance of changing the narrative around men’s mental health:
“If you say to a male, come down to the beach and talk about your feelings, they’ll run away. But if you say, let’s do a bit of exercise and grab a coffee, they’re in.”
This approach has created a safe space where men can connect without the pressure of formal therapy settings. It’s about showing up, moving, and sharing stories, helping to alleviate the loneliness that many face.
The name When No One’s Watching speaks to the authenticity behind their initiative. Tadhg explains, “It’s about living your life like nobody’s watching and getting out there to face the world as your true self.”
While the growth of WNOW is encouraging, it also underscores the profound need for such support networks. Tadhg poignantly states, “Unfortunately, we’re trying and we can see men literally the weight of the world dropping off their shoulder when we step into the circle.”
Nic is horrified that there is no state or federal support for such an obvious preventative measure. The only government support has come from the Irish government. The group is self-funding but for them to grow it needs government support.
It’s clear that WNOW is not just about exercise; it’s about building a community that prioritises mental health and mutual support.
As we reflect on their journey, it’s inspiring to see how conversations around mental health can shift when approached with authenticity and care. For anyone feeling isolated or in need of connection, remember: help is often just a coffee away.
For more insights and to hear the full conversation, tune into the episode with Dave and Tadhg.
