NHS Funds Men’s Mental Health Support Group

A support group that hosts informal sessions in cafes and a golf club to help men deal with anxiety, depression, and grief has recently just received funds of more than £4,000 from the NHS (National Health Service). Luke Newman, from Potton in Bedfordshire, decided to create a support group aimed at men in 2019, called ‘For Men To Talk’, which enables all men to be more open about their mental health. Read on for further information and for mental health support guidance for men.

The money received is from the ‘Heads Up’ fund, which is aimed to reduce suicide in middle-aged men and older men. Luke Newman commented to the BBC that those who attended the group sessions had seen “improvement in their mental health”. Now, with a grant of exactly £4,198 awarded by the Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group (BLMKCCG), a lot more help can go towards providing a wider or more range of support for men who seek it.

Since the support group’s creation, Luke Newman confirmed that it had been self-funded and helped by local donations. Through the informal setting and meetings, many men were able to find someplace to turn to and share their concerns. On average, it has been reported that 15 people attend the sessions, which is held at Jones’ Café in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, and at St Neots Golf Club in Cambridgeshire.

This support group also hosts monthly walks, as well as online meetings; they have scheduled to soon start holding sessions in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire. Luke Newman has said, “When they first join us they can be shy, but we’re building up their confidence to be more open with people. The ‘Heads Up’ campaign is to help men get happy and stay happy and to deal with issues that tend to crop up in life from time-to-time.”

Support:

It may not seem like it but many people around the world have suffered or know of someone who is dealing with a mental health issue, so if you need help, or would like to help, then speaking to the people closest to you is usually the best way to start.

If you are ever worried that your or someone else’s life may be in danger, then do not hesitate to call 999 in the UK, 112 in Europe, or 911 in the US.

If you need to speak to someone for help but are not in immediate danger, then call 111 in UK instead.

The Shout Crisis text line is also available 24/7 for anyone struggling to cope: 85258.

The Samaritans accept free calls for confidential emotional support for people experiencing distress, despair, or suicidal thoughts: 116 123. You can also write an email to jo@samaritans.org.