MEN who may be struggling with their mental health are being encouraged to seek support.
The recent Together for Men conference, held at Leicestershire County Cricket Club, brought together public health professionals and community partners to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by men.
Evidence shows that men face stigma when seeking mental health support. They are less likely than women to ask for help to protect their mental health. This can result in undiagnosed mental illness, suicidal thoughts and death by suicide.
Relationship breakdown can have a significant impact on men's mental health, while older men, those who are unemployed or those with a long-term illness are less likely to bounce back after hard times.
At the conference, professionals from public health teams in Leicester and Leicestershire met with members of the community to showcase the support that is available locally. The event was part of the Mental Health Friendly Places initiative, which encourages people to have open conversations about mental wellbeing and highlights the importance of safe spaces, physical activity, relaxation, diet, staying connected and seeking help.
The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Teresa Aldred, attended the event. She said: “The conference is an opportunity to raise awareness of the mental health struggles that men face because of the expectations society places on them.
“During my year as Lord Mayor I am supporting Andysmanclub to raise awareness about men’s mental health in Leicester and to highlight the importance of suicide prevention. We need to encourage open conversation so that men talk about their feelings and can seek help when they are experiencing distress.”
Assistant city mayor for public health, Councillor Vi Dempster, said: “Mental Health Friendly Places is working to challenge the stigma that prevents many men from talking about their mental health and which contributes to issues like high suicide rates among men.
“We work closely with local communities to offer activities and support which may help men to stay connected so that they don’t suffer in silence. Please try to talk openly with the men in your life about their mental health, encourage them to seek support and to find healthy outlets for stress and self-care routines.”
Councillor Michael Squires, cabinet member for health at Leicestershire County Council, said: “These events are such an important opportunity to bring together professionals and community members to highlight the vital support available for men across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.
“Alongside this, Mental Health Friendly Places has seen over 200 organisations sign up and show their commitment to being open to helping men discuss their mental health.
“We know that men in our area are three times more likely to die by suicide than women - a stark reminder of why events like this are so important. By coming together, we can raise awareness, challenge stigma and encourage men to speak out and seek help when they need it.”
More information is available at www.leicester.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/public-health/improve-your-health/mental-health/
Urgent advice and support is available by calling the NHS 111 phone line.
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