“Invictus” is an event designed to support managers and individuals alike make positive contributions to the improvement of men’s mental health. This work has been developed with Marie Graham from the Wellness Project CIC, and in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The work is also informed by previous work on trauma informed workplaces undertaken with A Brilliant Thing CIC and a partnership of practitioners and organisations. 

The phrase ‘Invictus’ – meaning undefeated or unconquerable –  is a reference to the poem by Wiliam Ernest Henley. The word was also used by Clint Eastwood in his 2009 film about Nelson Mandela’s involvement in the 1995 rugby World Cup. These are images and names synonymous with male culture in many forms. There is the director, Clint Eastwood, the quintessential old school alpha male. Then Morgan Freeman, an older man but filled with vigor and humous. Freeman plays Mandela, a man who has become a metaphor himself for fighting for one’s own values for the benefit of all. Finally, Matt Damon who represents a new type of masculinity emerging into the present day.

We also draw on the work of Robert Bly and his seminal work ‘Iron John’ which explores the development of masculinity through the 20th century. 

We use a mixture of story telling, discussion and practical activities to create a space where a toolkit for improvement is co-created. All involved will have an investment in the final take away. 

Because each event is different we cannot say here what the toolkit will consist of. But what we can say is that we work collaboratively and will both lead and be led over the course of the event. 

We cover the following four areas at the event. We have also posed four questions here for you to consider: