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Men’s Health Awareness Month, a national campaign raising awareness of issues that cause health issues in men, takes place in November. Brighter Futures is encouraging men to continue seeking help after showing a monthly increase of male callers to the Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline. 

Figures show an increase of male contacts since the beginning of April – with August reaching a high of 874.

The highest trend of callers continue to come from both the 46-55 and 18-25 age groups.

It’s well known that men can find it harder to talk openly about their mental wellbeing, and the increase that we are seeing in male mental ill health is a worrying trend. Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline figures also evidence that this is the case, as men made contact on just 5410 occasions, compared to more than 35,000 from women in 2020/21.

But with figures increasing month by month, it’s hoped the communities across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will continue break the trend and look out for each other when they need it the most.

Eunice Burke, Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline Manager, says:

“It’s fantastic to see men seeking help. We’ve done our best at Brighter Futures to reach out to all communities and show we’re there for everyone. We’ve always had more contact from women than men, and while that’s still the case, we’ll strive to help in any way we can.

“We know it’s hard to talk to someone about your problems. It’s not always the right time, or people might not have someone they can easily turn to. That’s where we come in.

“The Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline is a free conditional service where people can call, email or text us to talk about their mental health concerns. It’s still hard for many people, especially men, and that’s when it can help to talk to someone anonymously, in confidence and who isn’t there to judge.

“We can advise people of the services that are available to them, help them plan next steps or simply listen to their worries and concerns.”.

The Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline is free to contact via a phone call: 0808 800 2234, text:  07860 022821, Email: Staffordshire.helpline@brighter-futures.org.uk and Instant Messaging through the Brighter Futures website.

Brighter Futures is also working with Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent bars, restaurants, and barber shops to increase awareness of mental health in men. Anyone wishing to be a part of The ‘Mate, you don’t seem yourself’ campaign is urged to get in contact and take part in FREE suicide prevention training. To do so, please contact Sophie.Henaughan@brighter-futures.org.uk.

For more information on Brighter Futures services, visit www.brighter-futures.org.uk.

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