Men's Mental Health
Every area has their own specific organisations to help with mental health support. Here are some for your area.
Please let us know if there are any we've missed by clicking here and we'll add them.
Statistics
Men's mental health has become a major talking point over the last few years. This is because male suicide has been on the increase for a long time now. Reasons for this are many, but the main one is thought to be because men are often made to feel like they have to hide their emotions and just 'get on with it'.
Men, on the whole, are brought up, expected to be tough, not cry, protect all before themselves and be strong no matter what. This expectation can be a difficult one to deal with. Especially when mixed in with what life has to throw at us anyway.
Obviously, every persons mental health is important but women generally tend to be more open about their emotions and just generally stronger emotionally by nature. Society expects women to show and share their feelings frequently but if a man is seen as doing this, the stigma can be seen as him being weak.
A big part of the idea of 'That's Mental Mate' came from the increase in men's mental health issues, including our founder's. Having dealt with sexual abuse, trauma, homelessness and addiction amongst other things, he decided that trying to find help for mental health issues can be a minefield and there's no, one place to go for all your needs. We hope that this site makes that easier, especially for men. Reach out directly if you need someone to talk to and see if we can help direct you to the best local support. Here are some statistics:
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK. (Calm Zone).
- 75% of deaths by suicide are males, and they are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
- 52% would be concerned about taking time off work, whilst 46% would be embarrassed or ashamed to tell their employer. (Men's Health Forum).
- Only 36% of all NHS referrals for psychological therapies are for men. Men are less likely to seek help for their mental health.
Please let us know of any organisations that we may be missing from your local area by clicking here and we'll be sure to add them.
'Real' men don't talk about it.
Fact: Society says men should be “strong” and not talk about their struggles, but research clearly shows that suicide rates for men are dramatically higher than those for women. Men are also more likely to “cope” with their depression and other disorders through substance abuse.
Men don't experience depression or anxiety.
Fact: While mental disorders appear to be slightly more common in women, men aren’t immune. In 2014, about 1 in 5 women in England experienced a common mental health problem compared to 1 in 8 men. These statistics may be skewed, though, as men often don’t report their experiences.
Talking about suicide makes it more likely to happen.
ButtonFact: It is a misconception that talking about suicide, or asking somebody if they are feeling suicidal, will “put the idea” into their heads. Research shows that talking or asking about suicidal thoughts is actually more likely to save a person’s life.
Men don't experience the 'baby blues'.
Fact: Postpartum depression (also known as postnatal depression) and other postpartum disorders are often associated only with women, occurring in around 1 in 10 new mothers. However, studies show that 1 in 10 men may also experience postpartum depression and anxiety.
Needing help means you're weak.
Fact: Reaching out for help might feel like the hardest thing you have to do. It takes courage to admit you’re struggling when you’re accustomed to hiding your struggles, and everybody, regardless of gender, needs support sometimes. Reaching out also means you’re taking charge of your mental wellbeing, a step that is equally as important as taking care of your physical health.
(All info taken from Mental Health UK. 2024.)
Support
When sportmen and other well known figures come out in support of speaking up about mens mental health, it really hits people hard. One of the best examples of this was when Paddy Pimblett made it a part of his speech after winning his MMA fight in the UFC.
There are plenty of other examples too but this one gave us goose pimples because one of his best friends had committed suicide 36 hours before this fight and he used this moment to highlight the epidemic. Well done Paddy lad!
"People would rather, I know I'd rather my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week. So please, let's get rid of this stigma and MEN, START TALKING!"
Healthy Minds - Calderdale
Our peer-support groups offer a welcoming space for individuals experiencing emotional distress. Whether you want to open up about your mental health journey or simply listen, the choice is yours. Our informal and relaxed gatherings provide you with the freedom to decide.
These are peer-support groups, where individuals like you come together to support one another. While they're not therapy sessions, many participants find therapeutic benefits in sharing their experiences.
Each group is guided by a trained volunteer facilitator or co-facilitators. Their role is to nurture a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment where the group can grow and flourish.
Our peer-support groups offer a welcoming space for individuals experiencing emotional distress. Whether you want to open up about your mental health journey or simply listen, the choice is yours. Our informal and relaxed gatherings provide you with the freedom to decide.
These are peer-support groups, where individuals like you come together to support one another. While they're not therapy sessions, many participants find therapeutic benefits in sharing their experiences.
Each group is guided by a trained volunteer facilitator or co-facilitators. Their role is to nurture a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment where the group can grow and flourish.
Ben's Place
Specialist Support for male sexual abuse survivors.
Survivors West Yorkshire (SWY) and its male-focused Ben's Place online trauma-informed counselling service is survivor-led and focused. Its vision is to support the development of a range of evidence-based services that are gender-informed and accessible across West Yorkshire. Services which are user-friendly and proactively involve survivors.
Unmasked Mental Health
Here at Unmasked Mental Health, our goal is simple, through our Hubs, Counselling Services and our Training provision, we want to provide safe, stable and regulated environments where people who are suffering from poor mental health can communicate with each other, get professional support and to educate employers and others on how to support people who may be struggling.
We are proud to partner with many other organisations within the communities we operate. Unmasked are a social prescriber service working in partnership with NHS England which means you can be referred to us for support directly from your GP.
Here at Unmasked Mental Health, our goal is simple, through our Hubs, Counselling Services and our Training provision, we want to provide safe, stable and regulated environments where people who are suffering from poor mental health can communicate with each other, get professional support and to educate employers and others on how to support people who may be struggling.
We are proud to partner with many other organisations within the communities we operate. Unmasked are a social prescriber service working in partnership with NHS England which means you can be referred to us for support directly from your GP.
Staying Well
The Staying Well team works with adults in Calderdale to access hundreds of social and physical activities available in the community because we know that people with active social lives tend to be happier and healthier.
If you know someone who is isolated or vulnerable and would like support from Staying Well juts get in touch!
Sanctus Academy
At Sanctus, our mission is to provide a platform for our members to evolve into the best version of themselves, both physically and mentally.
To achieve this, we perfect the core fundamentals of boxing; teaching balance, manoeuvre, attack and defence effectively. We then enhance these skills through strength and conditioning movements to ensure our members are the fastest, strongest and most agile version of themselves.
We also deliver a successful mental health programme aimed at young people between 8 and 25 years old.
Relate
Services provided:
- Children's Counselling
- Family Counselling
- Individual Counselling
- Online and Telephone Counselling
- Relationship Counselling
- Sex Therapy
- Young People's Counselling
Calderdale & Kirklees Recovery College
The Recovery college is for adults who want to improve their own wellbeing and/or the health and wellbeing of someone they care for or support. We focus on learning, building people’s skills and knowledge. We don’t provide therapy or clinical interventions.
Our sessions have been designed and are run by people with experience of mental health conditions and professionals who work with them.
The College is based on the principles of hope, control and personal responsibility. We believe that it is possible to regain a meaningful life, despite having a mental or physical health-limiting illness or disability.
Healthy Minds Calderdale - Safe Space
Welcome to Safespace, a haven for emotional support provided by our friendly team of compassionate professionals. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or simply need someone to listen, we're here for you. Our services are available 7 days and evenings a week, offering a lifeline for anyone 16+ in Calderdale, completely free of charge.
Our team provide a listening ear during times of distress and can assist you in taking the next steps towards healing and stability. If you find yourself in crisis, remember that help is just a phone call away.
Platform 1
Platform 1 recognises that many things can contribute to causing your mental health to deteriorate. Some of these things can be the practical things in life. When you are at your lowest point it is difficult to sort out things such as paying bills or making phone calls.
Our welfare service will help people to fill in forms, sort housing and benefit issues, make doctors appointments and if needed act as an advocate when the person needs to attend a meeting. This service is open to all the people that use our service.
RASAC - Rape And Sexual Abuse Centre
Since 1989 we have provided support to survivors of rape and sexual violence.
We are here to listen, believe you and can offer support and advice without judgement to survivors and their loved ones, as well as signposting and referring to other services.
Sexual Health Clinics - Calderdale
We provide fully integrated sexual health service based at Broad Street Plaza in Halifax, with satellite clinics in Todmorden and Brighouse.
This provides a ‘one stop shop’ for testing and treatment for genital infections, all methods of contraception and HIV care.
SHOUT
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope.
To start a conversation, text the word 'Shout' to 85258. Trained Shout Volunteers are here to listen at any time of day or night and messages won't appear on your phone bill.
If your life is at imminent risk, please call the emergency services on 999.
If you would like to see some National Organisations please click here.
That's Mental Mate!
