Mental health isn’t just a topic we talk about once a year - it’s part of how we look after each other at Shorts, and that includes the men on our team who regularly step up and volunteer to support their colleagues.
As we mark International Men's Day on 19th November, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re proud to highlight that four (of our team of nine) Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) are men. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that care, empathy, and listening aren’t gendered - they’re human. In a workplace where people genuinely look out for one another, these men are helping to make mental health a normal part of working life.
Meet the men supporting mental health at Shorts
We’re proud to have Malcolm Pope, Ryan Wilkes, James Snipe, and Howard Freeman as part of our Mental Health First Aider team. Each of them brings a calm, compassionate presence to the workplace - whether it’s offering a listening ear, checking in with a colleague, or simply being someone you know you can talk to.
When men step up as Mental Health First Aiders, it sends a strong message that mental health support is available to everyone - not just a select few. Their involvement helps to break down old stereotypes, making it easier for others to talk openly about how they’re feeling. By having visible male champions for mental health, we encourage a workplace where everyone feels comfortable reaching out, whether they need advice, a listening ear, or just a friendly chat. This openness helps create a culture where everyone’s wellbeing is valued and stigma around mental health conversations is reduced.
James Snipe said
“There have been times in my career when having someone to talk to would have made a real difference, but the structure wasn’t there. Being able to offer that support to someone else now feels like a full-circle moment. For me, the people side of the job - the coaching, the listening, the helping - is the most rewarding part.”
Ryan Wilkes adds
“Being a MHFA empowered me to have the confidence to have these conversations, with full knowledge I have access to resources and support. One thing I was not aware of going into the training, was how much self awareness the training gives you. It is very important to ensure you are in the best place you can be to be able to best support others!"
Malcolm Pope
"We’ve made huge strides in recent years and each year more of the team ask to get more involved. Our original aim was to eventually have as many MHFAs as physical first aiders, and this has now been achieved. We (as a team of MHFAs) are now exploring ways to increase the support available to the wider team, with the latest ones being specific resources through our internal Hub."
Why It Matters – HUMAN is one of our Core Values
Mental Health Awareness Month is a chance to reflect on how we support one another. At Shorts, mental health isn’t a box-ticking exercise. It’s part of our culture. We talk about it openly, we support each other, and we make space for real conversations.
Having male MHFAs helps to further normalise those conversations for everyone. It shows that vulnerability isn’t weakness – it can be turned into strength. And it proves that empathy and leadership go hand in hand.
Ryan Wilkes
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that two of our MHFAs are Partners. The culture starts at the top. Positive mental health support is embedded in how we work - from encouraging work-life balance to keeping overtime minimal. Having Partners and Directors involved in MHFA shows the firm is genuinely committed to investing time and energy into this.
Malcolm Pope
“I’ve seen the impact that poor Mental Health has had on individuals, whether friends, colleagues, or clients, and it is often heart-breaking to see. I’ve always been in position of wanting to help improve them, and thankfully, I’ve always had a keen eye as to when someone maybe struggling. The role of MHFA isn’t a magic wand, and never pretends to have all the answers, but I saw it as a way of gaining extra tools to improve the way in which I could help others. It does a great job in being able to help me, help someone else. With the world in which we work, there are constant deadlines and although the team does an excellent job in hitting these deadlines consistently, it can be a high-pressured environment. I thought that being a MHFA would help reduce this pressure for others – it has."
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate International Men's Day, we also celebrate the everyday actions that make Shorts a supportive place to work. Whether it’s a quiet chat over coffee or a check-in after a tough week, our MHFAs - Malcolm, Ryan, James, and Howard - are helping to build a workplace where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Ryan Wilkes
“I like to think that Shorts is an open minded firm and is on the front foot with support around MH. The team are encouraged to talk about how they are feeling and take action where needed, with full knowledge it will have no negative impact on how they are seen or to their career in general. We see being able to identify your own MH (whether in a good place or not) as a strength rather than a weakness."
Malcolm Pope
"Being able to help others is important to me, and I’m proud that I’ve be able to do this. Being a MHFA has helped me to do this more. In addition to this, it’s also helped me to keep my own resilience in check and ultimately improved my own listening skills which has helped me to develop more generally."
What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a MHFA?
James Snipe
“It’s a great life skill - not just for work, but for everyday life. The training covers a lot of non-work themes too, which makes it even more valuable. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who’s even slightly interested.”
Ryan Wilkes
“Definitely go for it. You only have things to gain from attending, and you may come out with some insights you were not expecting!"
Malcolm Pope
“If helping others is a key area of focus for you, then this can be a great way to do this. However, given the subject matter of some of the training, you need to make sure that you’re in the right place to undertake it, as well as ensuring that you’ve got the support network to help you through difficult conversation. Overall, it’s been hugely worthwhile for me."
Tags: Seminars and Events, Team News
