Empowering Men's Mental Health through "Yeah The Pies"

A recent article from the popular satirical publisher, Betoota Advocate, about a ‘male mental health warrior’ paints a picture of how society views men who are passionate about men's mental health.

One particular quote from the article said, "Brayden has recently become fixated on white men like himself being the forgotten victims." While their tongue-in-cheek style generally provides a humorous view on current affairs, it's important to pay close attention to the undertones that reflect public perception. The sentiment of this article highlights the risk of men's mental health being pigeon-holed as a catch cry for selfish men essentially saying "what about me."

How does the patriarchy hurt men?

Throughout history, the patriarchy has given a range of advantages to men that have led to a systematic disadvantage to basically every other group in society. This significant advantage means that the negative impact of the patriarchy on men is often overlooked. If men who are passionate about mental health feel they are being viewed as selfish, there’s a chance that they’ll turn their backs on the gender equality movement.

When you consider the relationship between the patriarchy and men's mental health, there's a detrimental impact due to the feeling of being trapped in rigid gender roles and expectations. This can be seen through how the patriarchy limits men's emotional expression, personal growth, and relationships. Men are often pressured to suppress emotions, avoid vulnerability, and prioritise strength and dominance, which can lead to mental health issues, difficulty forming deep connections, and a reluctance to seek help when needed.

If men’s mental health is viewed as "men saying what about me," any chance of getting men involved in gender equality is going to slip further and further away.

So what are we going to do about it?

In response to these challenges, we launched an innovative event called "Yeah The Pies" earlier in 2024 where we brought men together to learn how to make pies and make a change. We partnered with Iain Schmidt, men’s mental health expert and a recent winner of Masterchef, Brent Draper to make it happen. By combining pie-making with discussions on men's role in promoting equality, we created a comfortable environment for men to engage with these crucial topics.

Our inaugural event was a resounding success, but we recognise that lasting change requires ongoing effort. That's why we're excited to announce that "Yeah The Pies" will be returning this September. This event offers a chance for men to connect with like-minded individuals, learn valuable skills, and contribute to the broader conversation on gender equality.

By participating, you'll not only learn to craft delicious pies but also gain insights into how you can play a positive role in advancing gender equality. It's an opportunity to be part of a movement that's challenging stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive society.

To express your interest in your spot at this unique event, contact us and you’ll be the first to know. Don't miss this chance to be part of a community that's working towards positive change while enjoying good food and great company.

We're also pleased to offer additional resources on this topic. Below, you can listen to Iain Schmidt, our expert on men's mental health and gender equality, as he discusses how the patriarchy hurts men.