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)

Peer to peer support in Essex during COVID 19

• Walk and Talk 4 men have cancelled their walks but are currently running virtual talks – find out more on their Facebook group
• MATES are running a weekly mental health and wellbeing virtual walk and talk in a private Zoom meeting every Sunday at 11am and Tuesday at 7pm.
• Many shedders in Essex are unable to attend their local Men’s Shed but there’s a weekly radio show to keep them connected: ‘Shed Happens’
• 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.

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.