Trigger Warning: this page mentions suicide.

At Mates in Mind, we believe there is no health without mental health, and therefore, this November (or as some now know it better, Movember) we are focusing on the mental health part of Men’s Health Month.

Men’s Health Month is designed to raise awareness of three key health issues: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. The aim of the month is to encourage men to start conversations about their health, and to seek support if they need it. This is at the heart of what we advocate for, and it is why we work collaboratively with organisations of any size to embed a proactive, prevention strategy which empowers them to create a supportive workplace culture which creates positive mental health in, and through work.

To support Men’s Health Awareness Month, we are encouraging our Supporters to start the conversation within their own organisations and across their networks. 

Why is Men’s Health Awareness Month important?

• Four in five suicides are by men, with suicide the biggest cause of death for men under 35. [1]
• In 2022, men aged 40 to 54 had the highest suicide rates in the UK. [2]
• In 2017, 12.5% of men in the UK were experiencing some form of common mental health condition. [3]
• Nearly three-quarters of adults who go missing are men. [4]
• Men are nearly three times as likely as women to become dependent on alcohol and three times as likely to report frequent drug use. [5]

Resources

At Mates in Mind, we work with organisations to improve the mental health of their workforce by providing the skills, clarity, and confidence to employers on how to raise awareness, improve understanding and address the stigma that surrounds mental health.

This is why we have created a suite of resources to support organisations, not only during Men’s Health Awareness Month, but also to create a supportive workplace culture which improves mental health in, and through work.

Please click on the link below to download a free poster. You can personalise it by adding the relevant details of your Mental Health First Aiders, HR team, Employee Assistance Programme and so on, in the white box. Please then share it across your organisation.

Please also visit our Resources page where you can download additional free resources including a Spotting the Signs Infographic and a Stress Awareness Factsheet. 

Visit our Resources

Please sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page to be informed when we publish new blogs in our ‘How to optimise your mental wellbeing’ series. The first blog can be found:

Read our 'How to optimise your mental wellbeing' blogs

If the information on this page has resonated with you, and if you or someone you know needs help or support, you can speak to one of the many free, confidential support services below: 

Support Services

Mates in Mind Supporters 

We have additional materials exclusively available for our Supporters.

To download these materials please log in to the Supporter portal, and access your resources:

Log in

If you are not a Supporter but would like to find out more about our Programme, please read on.

How we can support you

Mates in Mind can support your organisation to build a mental health plan and to create a culture of prevention.

Our dedicated team of Support Managers work with organisations of any size to develop a tailored action plan, evaluating your organisation's priorities and gaps, and providing the tools and support you need.

This plan includes ongoing support with communication and delivery of your plan, as well as training opportunities, promotional materials, and a suite of tools (including awareness date resources) to enable you to drive long-lasting and meaningful change.

Find out more about how we can help your organisation build a culture of prevention when you become a Supporter by:

• Visiting our Become a Supporter page
• Calling: 020 3510 5018
• Emailing: [email protected]
• Using this contact form

If you would like to know when we publish new resources, please complete the newsletter sign up at the bottom of this page.

References:

[1] MPs to examine men’s mental and physical health in new inquiry - Committees - UK Parliament

[2] https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7749/CBP-7749.pdf

[3] Key data: mental health | Men's Health Forum (menshealthforum.org.uk)

[4] https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/key-data-mental-health

[5] https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/key-data-mental-health