Phill's Blog
As Chief Finance Officer, people might imagine me tucked away in an office, surrounded by spreadsheets, occasionally coming out to talk about budgets or forecasts. I admit, there’s probably a grain of truth in that – I do spend a fair amount of time with spreadsheets! But what I really enjoy about my role is the time I get to spend out and about seeing the incredible work people do every day. With things as busy as they are, I’m constantly impressed by the dedication and resilience I see in our teams.
While resilience is a strength of our teams, I know we can’t take it for granted. With the pace of work as it is, balancing care for ourselves alongside those who need us is essential.
My own wakeup call came last year when I went in for a routine checkup just to make sure everything was ticking along nicely. My blood pressure was actually much higher than expected, and suddenly, my “just-in-case” appointment turned into something more serious. I'm now on medication, and those tablets are a daily reminder that we can't take our health for granted and that it can sometimes catch us by surprise – a little like when you think your spreadsheet is balanced, only to find one number has thrown the whole thing off!
This November is Men’s Mental Health Month and with everything moving so fast, I know my own mental wellbeing benefits from spending time outdoors with my four boys. This often means we’re out on the pitch, tackling (sometimes literally) whatever’s going on in the world. There’s nothing like a football game with them to blow off steam and remind me of what matters most – though I must admit, they’re starting to outrun me! With everything we hear about men’s mental health, I do try to encourage my boys to talk to me about their feelings and concerns. I hope that for the next generation, mental health becomes something young men feel more comfortable openly discussing. I want my boys to know that it really is ‘ok not to be ok’ sometimes.
For men my age though, I think there’s often still some reluctance to reach out for support. We might let health checks or conversations about wellbeing slip. I’ve been lucky with my health, but it was a reminder that prioritising yourself isn’t a luxury. Being able to take care of my family means I need to take care of myself too – physically and mentally. Remember that whether you reach out to a friend, a colleague, or a professional, there's strength in asking for help. Please keep an eye on those around you too - sometimes a simple check-in, a chat over coffee, or a good laugh together can make all the difference.
Getting support and how to start talking about it
The unique challenges that men face, including societal pressures around masculinity, often make it harder for men to speak openly about their mental health. Each year, November is dedicated to breaking the stigma and encouraging men to start important conversations. The following three-page document lists some of the national and local support services that help Hertfordshire men with their mental health and wellbeing.
To see the life-changing transformations of men who have accessed the college and experienced our courses, visit the testimonials page and discover what students like Geoff, Roderick and Rahaul have to say. We will continue to welcome men from all walks of life, no matter what stage of their recovery journey.
For more inspiration and help, visit our course portfolio and blog, locate resources or seek further help and crisis support.
