Council launches campaign to support men’s mental fitness
Buckinghamshire Council is encouraging people to have ‘men in mind’ this September, with the launch of a new campaign to support men’s mental fitness and focus on suicide prevention.
Good mental health is vital for men, especially considering that, according to ONS suicide data for 2023, three quarters of suicide deaths were among men.
Buckinghamshire Council’s Men In Mind campaign encourages men to prioritise their mental fitness through physical activity, staying connected, managing stress, and limiting alcohol.
The campaign also aims to teach friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances how to recognise the signs that someone might be experiencing suicidal thoughts or struggling with their mental health, learn how to start a conversation and help them get the support they need.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Angela Macpherson, said: “We know it can be difficult to find the right words to talk about suicide and about mental health. That’s why we have created ‘support in your back pocket’ – business cards with conversation starters, and information on where to get help, that you can keep in your back pocket to help you when talking to a friend who you are worried about, or to use if you need support yourself.
“We’re also holding pop-up events in Aylesbury, Chesham and High Wycombe with Bucks Mind and Talking Therapies. Come along to speak to us or encourage the men in your life to do so. Help is available and no one is alone.
“Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. Having a simple conversation with a friend, family member or colleague could make all the difference.”
The campaign is aimed at men aged 35-55, who are likely to be more at risk of suicide.
Men experiencing unemployment, relationship breakdowns, family problems, money worries, job related stress, loneliness, loss, disabling or painful physical illness, depression or heavy use of drugs or alcohol are also at a higher risk of suicide.
Online, it can sometimes be harder to notice signs that someone is struggling, but whether it’s on social media or in group chats, you can keep an eye out for someone posting content that is sad, negative, graphic, violent, impulsive or emotional.
If you notice any signs or are worried about someone, it’s important to talk to them and act.
Visit the Men in Mind page for more information about what to look out for and how to start a conversation. There is also a free online course about suicide prevention and how to talk to someone you are worried about.
If you or someone you know might be at risk of harming themselves or others: Call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).
If you or someone else needs help with suicidal thoughts, you are not alone, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website for more ways to get in touch.