“You ok, mate?” is a new public health campaign being launched in Sandwell to tackle the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and encourage more men to talk about their mental health.
Content warning – discussions of suicide
The campaign, which launches today (Wednesday 10 September), features photos and videos of local men talking about their own mental health experiences, aiming to ‘change the narrative’ about men’s mental health.
Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. Every day 17 people lose their lives to suicide in the UK. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 50 and men make up 75% of suicides nationally. In Sandwell, 79% of deaths by suicide are men.
Men are also less likely to seek help for their mental health.
Councillor Jackie Taylor, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, said: “As we mark World Suicide Prevention Day today, we are encouraging everyone, regardless of gender, to talk openly about mental health.
“Please ask for help if you are experiencing mental ill health, there’s lots of support available and it’s a brave step towards making things better.
“The figures highlight the urgent need to create a culture where men feel able to talk openly and seek support before reaching crisis point. We need to break the silence, challenge the stigma and get men talking across our communities. We need men to ask their mates if they are OK.
“Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences as part of this new campaign. Together, we can create the space for honest conversations and support when it’s needed most.”
Find out more details of the ‘You ok, mate?’ campaign and support available.
For advice on a wide range of mental health support services available in Sandwell, visit our Healthy Sandwell webpage or call Healthy Sandwell for free on 0800 011 4656.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call NHS 111 and choose option 2 and you will be directed to local crisis support.
You can also call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or via the Samaritans website.
Domestic abuse can have a severe and lasting impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing for both adults and children. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, visit our domestic abuse webpages for details of support services available. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Specialist domestic abuse support is available:
- Black Country Women’s Aid offers support for women, men and children: 0121 552 6448
- Ask Marc offers help and support for men: 0121 289 6402
- Birmingham LGBT Centre: 0121 643 0821