Encouraging men to seek support with their mental health this International Men’s Day
Men across Northamptonshire are urged to reach out for support with their mental health this International Men’s day, and for everyone to play their part in helping men to seek support when needed.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, three times as many men die by suicide compared to women, with men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK. Men are also less likely to access psychological therapies than women, with only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies made by men.
This International Men’s Day, Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (NHFT) is partnering with the Samaritans, Northampton Filmhouse and the Grosvenor shopping centre and to raise awareness of mental health support and suicide prevention and to ensure men know where to seek support with their mental health in Northamptonshire.
On Friday 18 November, a range of NHFT services including IAPT Talking Therapies will be joined by the Samaritans in the pop-up shop on the second floor of the Grosvenor Centre next to River Island. The teams will be there from 9am-1pm chatting with members of the public, raising awareness of mental health support and offering advice and information.
On the same day, in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council, IAPT Talking Therapies will be at the Guildhall from 2-4pm, supporting a free men’s wellbeing workshop. Attendees will find out about the range of community and professional support services available, hear from men who have lived experience of being impacted by mental ill health and how they are managing to move forward, learn some exercises, which could help better manage some of the symptoms they might have been experiencing and have the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.
In the evening, the Male Role Model Awards will be held at Northampton Museum, from 4pm to 7pm, where more local support service providers will have stalls and be available to answer any of your questions.
Following this, at 1.30pm on Saturday 19 November, there will be a FREE showing of the film, “Dear Evan Hansen”, at the Errol Flynn Filmhouse. After the film there will be a Q&A session around suicide prevention awareness in Northamptonshire, with the aim of generating a conversation around what more can be done to support our local communities.
Representatives from across Northamptonshire are welcome to come along, watch the film, take part in the discussions, and learn about the wider work of the countywide Suicide Prevention steering group. Booking is required in advance for the film and panel discussion, please click here.
Anne Rackham, Director of Mental Health at Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust said:
“We can all take small steps to be more aware of the signs to look out for in our friends and family members who may be experiencing poor mental health. This International Men’s day, I encourage everyone to ask their male friends and family members how they are and to give space for an answer.
“Check on friends and loved ones and if someone you know is struggling, let them know about our services and encourage them to seek help. Our mental health number operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to take calls from anyone at any time.
“At Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, we have a range of services to support individuals with varying levels of need, from crisis support through to low or moderate level mental health concerns. If you, or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns, please reach out for support so that we can ensure our trained professionals provide you with the best possible care and support.”
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel as though you want to end your life, please know that there is support available ready to help you. Click here for more information.
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) provides community and mental health services across the county. NHFT and Mind provide 24-hour mental health support any time of the day or night. Call 0800 448 0828, lines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in a crisis or in need of face-to-face mental health support, join us at one of our drop-in cafes. Click here to check opening times and find a café near you. Click here to view more information on our "Espresso yourself” cafes which are available for young people aged 11-18, across the county.
If you have been feeling low for some time, this could be a sign that you need some support with your mental wellbeing to get you back on track. “IAPT Talking Therapies” Northamptonshire will work with you to put a plan in place. Click here to take the first step today by completing our online form.