Men's Health
Men's Health
Men’s mental health is a large factor in suicide prevention and is one of the Spot the Signs and Save a Life campaign’s main target areas. This is because:
- Suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 45 in the UK
- In Hertfordshire 80% of all suicides were male
- 82% had discussed mental health with their GP
- Male suicide rates in Hertfordshire peak in the 20-29 age range unlike the national picture where the peak occurs later in life (40-49 years)
Source: Hertfordshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2016
Spot the Signs and Save a Life can provide support for men’s mental health through awareness, training and signposting to mental health and support services available in Hertfordshire. We aim to:
- Raise awareness among men about the mental health and support services available
- Reduce the stigma about men’s mental health and not presume that men don’t want to talk
- Reach out to men in the workplace, job centres, sports clubs and social centres
- Provide men-only support groups and activities
- Continue to provide suicide prevention training to GPs in Hertfordshire
Mental Health and Support Services
Alright Mate? Grassroots Suicide Prevention A campaign in Brighton and Hove supporting male suicide prevention. www.prevent-suicide.org.uk
Be in Your Mate’s Corner A five-year national campaign launched in 2017 by Time to Change offering advice and resources for supporting your male friends and colleagues. www.time-to-change.org.uk/what-you-should-know/be-your-mates-corner
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) Resources, information and a helpline providing support. Tel: 0800 58 58 585pm-midnight, 365 days a year
Help for Heroes Hidden Wounds Offering support to Veterans and Armed Forces family members struggling with depression, anxiety and anger. Tel: 0808 2020 144 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday
For out of hours or urgent support telephone Combat Stress Tel: 0800 1381619
www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-support/mental-health-and-wellbeing/hidden-wounds-service
HPFT Single Point of Access (SPA) Receives and screens all HPFT mental health services referrals in Hertfordshire. Tel: 0800 6444 101.
JOCA - Just One Click Away Set up by Welwyn Rugby Club, this local service provides support, guidance and a friendly ear, especially for men. Email: joca@welwynrfc.co.uk 24/7 www.jocawrfc.co.uk
Men’s Health Forum Provides practical information and guidance for men such as stress, addiction, sex and physical wellbeing, including an online forum. www.menshealthforum.org.uk
Movember Foundation Raising awareness and funding men’s health projects. www.uk.movember.com
Spectrum - Hertfordshire Drug and Alcohol Services Out-of-hours helpline providing advice on drug and alcohol use. Tel: 0800 652 3169 www.changegrowlive.org
Mind in Mid Herts - The Men’s Project, Stevenage
This new project is a way for men to socialise in a laid back, welcoming environment. Current activities include circuit training, table tennis, cycling and walking sessions. Future activities will include furniture upcycling, decorating and a walk-football in partnership with Stevenage FC.
For more information contact Ian Rees, Project Officer Email: ian.rees@mindinmidherts.org.uk