According to the Office for National Statistics (2021), in the UK, 74% of all suicides involved men. 77% of men have suffered with common mental health symptoms like anxiety, stress or depression yet only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men (Mental Health Foundation, 2021), highlighting the lack of willingness within men to seek help for mental health problems. These statistics are a brief window into the dire situation that surrounds men and mental health and sadly, these proportions have been similar since 1991 (ONS, 2021). This event will shed light on key problem areas, showcasing best practice and research into safeguarding men’s mental health, identifying how we can treat preventable outcomes such as suicide. 

The likelihood of mental health issues further increase if you are marginalised by society, with men who are LGBTQ+, homeless, earn a lower than average income or served time in prison all are at greater risk of developing mental health problems. This is not helped by the culture surrounding masculinity which has prevented men from seeking help as demonstrated by the reasons for not seeking help which can be largely grouped into the embarrassing stigma surrounding mental health (The Priory, 2021). 

This event will explore the factors damaging male mental health such as work-related pressure, financial stress and health concerns as well as how best to support, create resilience and to actively address men’s mental wellbeing. Join us as we explore lived experiences, case studies, and best-practice examples of safeguarding men’s mental health.