Wellbeing trust stages special 'men-only' mental health event on Hayling to tackle national suicide epidemic
THE head of a wellbeing trust has urged men not to fear speaking out if they’re worried about their mental health and said: ‘You’re not wasting our time or yours.’
Wendy Lee, the head of wellbeing at Options Wellbeing Trust, issued the plea in a bid to try and help stop men from suffering in silence.
And to help combat this issue, Options Wellbeing Trust is partnering with Northney Farm Tearooms on Hayling Island to stage a free mental health action day this month – which will include a special, male-only session.
It comes as figures revealed suicide is the biggest killer among men under 35, with three out of every four people who take their own lives being male.
Wendy said: ‘There’s a stigma attached to men’s mental health, so to all men out there, you’re not wasting yours or our time.
‘Overcome the idea that you wouldn’t usually do this kind of thing and get in touch before things get worse for a free, friendly and confidential chat.’
The event is being held on Sunday, February 13, a day before Valentine’s day which can be a particularly lonely time of year, and includes a range of professionally delivered sessions around physical and emotional wellbeing.
Lottie Fogden, general manager at Northney Farm Tearooms, said: ‘Following a hard 18 months, many of us may be feeling low, not sure how to manage moving forward or may have relatives and friends having similar feelings.
‘Our event includes workshops and guest speakers, as well as taster sessions for pilates and yoga, to help promote and maintain a level of wellness and wellbeing from mental health to nutrition, rehabilitation and recovery.
‘In the evening, we’ve a men-only event too. It promises to be a refreshing and relaxing day, and we hope lots of people come along.’
The day programme will run from 10am until 5pm. The men-only event will start at 6.30pm and finish at 8.30pm.
All events are free to attend. A buffet lunch including vegan and vegetarian options will also be available to purchase on the day.
See optionswellbeing.co.uk for more details.