Support for men

The reality

• 2.7 million men in England currently have a mental health problem like depression, anxiety or stress and their situations have in recent years been exacerbated by the tough economic climate.
• 75% of all suicides are men and it is the biggest cause of death for under 45. (Source: ONS)
• 37% of men are feeling worried or low with the top three issues playing on their minds being job security, work and money (Source: Mind Charity)

Local support

• Join the Walk and Talk 4 Men- They are a group of men who get together a couple of times a month and have a stroll around a country park whilst having a chat in a safe place without judgement! It gives us guys the opportunity to offload, get things off our chest and talk about how we are feeling rather than bottling it up and suffering in silence.
• Join a MATES walk or football session–  they have regular events and one off events to encourage people to come out of the house and be in a group of people that understand and are there to listen and support. Their Weekly Walks and Weekly drop ins are great places to come and meet others without pressure.
• Join an Essex Shed near you-A Men’s Shed is not unlike a traditional Shed in its nature – a place full of tools and machines – but on a larger scale with room for many. It is essentially a safe space for men to come together and share conversation and tools whilst engaging in practical projects (most commonly wood craft).
• Follow the Essex Facebook group Never too late mate as they tackle the unacceptably high levels of suicide in young men across Essex. Follow them to find out more about what they are doing, and if you need someone to talk to they’re here to help get you that support.
• Unemployed? HeadsUp provides support, advice and mentoring to people with common mental health problems to help them get back into the workplace

Time to Change campaign

Time to Change is urging men to recognise how their attitudes and behaviours can influence others’ experiences of mental health problems – and that being in a friend’s corner can make all the difference. The campaign is relevant to everyone – men, women and young people – and shows straightforward ways that anyone can be there for someone.

There are three steps people can take if they think a friend is struggling:

1. Text, call, reach out to your mate
2. Ask how they are, listen without judging
3. Be yourself, do everyday things.

As well as taking steps to be there for a friend, everyone is being encouraged to share the film below.

To find out more information about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit the Time to Change website.