Tobrise Chinosa, talking about getting involved in the Be Well programme
How did you find out about Be Well?
I found out about Be Well through Bobby Dean, Sutton Councillor. He was doing a door-to-door visit, and we started talking about my amateur football podcast and how I wanted to have a stronger focus on men’s wellbeing in my podcast.
Bobby told me about the South London Listens Be Well launch event in September 2023 and I attended and immediately knew that I wanted to be part of it.
That’s great – and what was the best thing about the mental health and community organising training?
I got so much out of it! In particular, I learned how to deal with my own emotions, how to ground myself when speaking to others about their mental health, and how I might signpost them to other services and resources. I also learned about becoming an active listener and empathising with my online audience.
I am much more confident now about how I interact with them. Sometimes I have people who might be struggling with alcohol or loneliness – and now I know what to say. Someone mentioned suicide on a live call once and it put me in a vulnerable place, but this training has empowered me to help me handle these conversations.
The community organising training was very practical and helped me build skills around facilitating a room and making connections.
I have to say that another amazing benefit of being a part of Be Well has been meeting like-minded people with the same values. There’s an open dialogue at the Be Well sites when we’re working together in Sutton that I appreciate. It’s been an amazing journey!
That’s good to hear. Did you say you have a podcast?
Yes, and back in 2021, my podcast, The Amateur Footballer, came second in the most influential football content category (alongside some of the big football clubs!) at the Football Content Creator Awards. I’d like to dedicate more time to men’s mental health and intend to interview some of the local community.
Do let us know when they get published! Did you get any follow-up support after the Be Well events?
Yes! Everyone has made time for me and help me structure my plans. Their support has given me confidence in my ideas. It has had such a massive positive impact on me- on a personal level. It has helped me become more self-aware and enabled me to be vulnerable about my own struggles. I had a stammer growing up and it really impacted me. I’ve now managed to overcome this.
As a result of the training and support, I have now started an important dialogue with friends and family members about all this, which has been well received.
Also, the people we trained with have been amazing – such camaraderie! It was a great experience. It makes me feel emotional just talking about it.
What are you hoping to achieve through the Be Well programme?
I am hoping to raise mental health awareness through my podcast for men's mental health in the sports sector and connect with others who might have the same struggles. I have big plans. I want to invite people in the community and those of influence to talk about their own mental health experiences and how they have overcome challenges. I never thought I could do this before, but I feel equipped to do this now.
I'm planning to put on men’s wellbeing 7-aside football tournaments to raise awareness around men’s mental health along with Q&A sessions.
What would you say to others who are thinking about becoming part of the programme?
Don’t hesitate! Please sign up and become part of the Be Well network. It will help you and your community raise awareness and provide vital social connection and support for others. And if anyone wants to get in touch with me, they can do so via my LinkedIn page.
The Be Well Champions programme strengthens collaborations between health services and voluntary organisations. The aim is to develop the capability and capacity of community and voluntary organisations to support the wellbeing of local people.