November marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) is taking the opportunity to shine a light on a topic that is of huge importance to many…
November marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) is taking the opportunity to shine a light on a topic that is of huge importance to many of its staff.
Collaborate with local people Men walking and talking group, teams at Leamington Fire Station aim to raise awareness of mental health issues, highlighting the crucial need to recognize and address these issues both within the fire and rescue service and in the community at wider.
Men Walking and Talking is a national organization that provides a safe space for men to come together and end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health by talking to each other. In addition to their mental health walks, they also hold regular support groups. A Kenilworth group has been operational since September 2022; they meet every Thursday at 7pm in Abbey Fields car park in Kenilworth.
WFRS’ collaboration with Men Walking and Talking focuses on creating a welcoming environment for people to come together:
- Date: Saturday November 25
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Location: Leamington Fire Station
WFRS colleagues and members of the public are invited to come together and better understand men’s mental health and the support options available. The evening will include informative lectures, opportunities for open discussions and, of course, refreshments.
Councilor Andy Crump, Portfolio Manager for Communities and Fire and Rescue at Warwickshire County Council, highlighted the collective effort required to tackle the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. He stated,
“Unfortunately, we still see a lot of stigma around men’s mental health, and it is crucial to address this if we are to protect the well-being of our male colleagues and men across the community. We view this as a collective effort and hope that providing a safe space for men to talk and learn about mental health is an important step in the right direction. If you are struggling, remember that you are not alone; Support is available whatever your situation.
Men’s mental health is a wide-ranging problem: 2 in 5 men (43%) report feeling regularly worried or depressed (Mind, 2019). 75% of suicides involve men and suicide is the leading cause of death among men under 50 (Men’s Health Forum, February 2022).
Anyone in difficulty right now can access free support 24/7:
- Confidential emotional support for Coventry and Warwickshire residents: call 0800 616171
- Urgent crisis advice: call 111 or NHS Mental Health Access Hubs on 08081 966 798
- Immediate risk to life: call 999 or go straight to A&E
For more information and advice visit Warwickshire’s mental health and suicide prevention resource, Dear Life.
