As part of the Fragile Strength programme, we are excited to host a powerful and timely panel discussion exploring the essential yet often unspoken role women play in shaping male mental health. Titled Women’s Role in Male Mental Health, this conversation brings together perspectives from the arts, academia, and community-based leadership.

Women serve as mothers, sisters, partners, friends, therapists, educators, and colleagues often forming the emotional scaffolding in the lives of the men around them. Despite this, their role in supporting male mental health is frequently under-acknowledged. This discussion aims to unpack how women witness, influence, and support men's mental well-being in both private and public spaces.'

-Through this panel, we will explore:

-How gender expectations affect men's ability to express emotion

-The emotional labour women often take on in relationships

-The role of women in deconstructing toxic masculinity

-How art, research, and cultural spaces can create bridges of empathy and dialogue

Free to attend. RSVP required

Meet the Panellists

Emma Howe

Director, We Are The Minories

As the director of one of Colchester’s most prominent cultural institutions, Emma brings valuable insight into how galleries and art spaces can nurture inclusive programming that promotes dialogue around mental health. With a background in community-focused curation, Emma advocates for the use of creative practice as vehicles for emotional exploration and healing. She will share how Fragile Strength fits into this mission and what more galleries can do to make mental health conversations more accessible.

Dr. Veronica Lamarche

Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, University of Essex

Veronica's is leading the reseach comoponent of Fragile Strength along with Dr. Nathaniel Schermerhorn. Her research focuses on understanding how people regulate trust and dependence in their romantic relationships, and how feelings of uncertainty or vulnerability can influence relationship stability. Her work is guided by two main research questions: 1) What are the individual differences that predict greater relationship resiliency in the face of uncertainty; and, 2) Do self-regulatory systems managing responses to uncertainty outside of the relationship influence relationship regulatory responses within the relationship.

Anisha Thampy

Artist and Designer

Anisha is a visual designer and fine artist with a keen interest in social psychology and cultural narratives. Her work often investigates themes of identity, vulnerability, and gender through a design lens. With a Master's in Communication Design from the National Institute of Design (NID), India, and a Bachelor's in Fine Arts from Kerala, Anisha brings a creative, philosophical, and emotional perspective to the table, discussing how art can be a healing and reflective space for men and women alike.

Why This Conversation Matters

This panel isn’t just about listening, it’s about understanding, connection, and building tools to better support one another. The panel will include a moderated discussion, followed by a short audience Q&A where attendees can share thoughts and ask questions. Together, we aim to break the silence around male mental health and uplift the vital emotional work often carried by women.

Click below to book your free spot and join us in creating a more compassionate and emotionally literate world, one conversation at a time.