Open Group for Panjabi Men – 23-01-2024

What is this group about?

Sikh Mental Health & Wellbeing is helping to raise awareness in the Sikh and diverse South Asian communities. We help promote, improve, and transform their mental health & wellbeing. It is a topic that is often ignored or dismissed as not real in the South Asian cultures, leading to unnecessary suffering and hurt. We are working hard to raise awareness and open a dialogue on these subjects.

This is an open group for those who identify as Panjabi men to engage in a discussion with others around a particular topic, to listen, learn, and share. We welcome Punjabis from all faith backgrounds – Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, other faiths, spiritualities, and those who practice no faith or are agonistic.

Who is this for?

This event welcomes all cis and trans men, as well as non-binary people who are comfortable in a space that centres the experiences of men who identify as Punjabi – of all faiths or indeed no faith. It’s an open and safe space for those that want to share their thoughts or simply listen and connect.

What are the group responsibilities?

Group responsibilities are a way of creating a system of accountability whereby all participants abide by a particular code of conduct. This includes but is not limited to:

Showing compassion and empathy to all who are attending;

Respecting diversity of thought and opinion;

Being mindful of language and terminology which can cause harm;

Speaking openly but also sharing opportunities for others to speak.

What can I expect?

Each month we will focus on a particular topic of importance and relevance to Panjabi Men, exercising at the Shine Building (Leeds), LS8 5HS.

January 23rd Topic: Reflecting on 2024

Our core group responsibilities are that all participants: Show compassion and empathy to all who are attending; Be mindful of language and terminology used which can cause harm; Speak openly but also allow others to speak.

What to expect?

Each month we will focus on a particular topic of importance and relevance. We provide a safe space to both listen or share. Our format usually involves:

– Introductions and Group Responsibilities

– Short Grounding Exercise

– Breakout Discussions

– Large Group Discussion

– Group Feedback and Ending

Thoughts can be shared, questions asked, or you can simply listen – there is no obligation to share your experiences, should you choose not to. Anonymous feedback is always encouraged at the end of the session, so we can continuously improve the group sessions.

If you want to, you can read a blog about what it’s like to attend a Cha in the City open group here: https://www.taraki.co.uk/knowledge-hub/masculinity-and-mental-health-2

I f you are interested in keeping in contact regarding further spaces please reach out to the following email to be added to our WhatsApp group chat: [email protected]