MEN across Warwickshire are being encouraged to talk about their mental health.
The range of help available to male residents is being flagged up by Warwickshire County Council during Men’s Health Week.
According to the BUPA Wellbeing Index, 50 per cent of men have struggled with mental health difficulties at some point, yet fewer than half have sought medical advice. The Index also identified that 37 per cent of UK men admit actively hiding their mental health issues from their partners, and 30 per cent of the men surveyed said they didn’t know where to turn for advice or support.
WCC’s health spokesperson Coun Anne-Marie Sonko said: “It’s really important to talk about your mental health with a trusted person. We know that men between the ages of 18 and 44 are less likely to go to the doctors with any health concerns compared to women. If you are struggling with your mental health, please do speak up and let someone know how you feel. Warwickshire County Council and partners are here to help you with advice and support.”
Men seeking a safe place to share their feelings can get in touch with a number of groups that have been set up with men and mental health in mind.
One such group is MENtalk – a weekly group session designed to bring men together to improve their wellbeing.
MENtalk mixes psychologist led sessions alongside professional sport coaches to encourage talking and taking up physical activities to help members talk about their own experiences of anxiety and depression.
Visit www.ccfc.co.uk/community to find out more.
Men’s Sheds encourage conversations, connections and creation for men of all ages, who are looking to improve their wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combating isolation. Men’s sheds do this by getting members working on practical projects to help make, repair and repurpose projects in their local communities.
Visit www.menssheds.org.uk/ for more details.
The national campaign It Takes Balls to Talk, uses sporting themes to encourage men to talk about how they feel. The campaign’s website highlights local mental health services available in Warwickshire that support with factors that can often impact mental health.
Visit www.ittakesballstotalk.com for more information.
Warwickshire also has a host of mental health services that can provide advice and support.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth to find out more.
