BASILDON Council is supporting Men’s Mental Health Month throughout June by raising awareness of the importance of men’s mental and physical wellbeing and encouraging residents to access support through local support groups.
As part of the borough’s commitment to promoting positive mental health for all, the Basildon sign will be illuminated blue throughout this weekend starting on Friday 12 June, serving as a visible reminder that support is available and that conversations about mental health matter.
Men’s Mental Health Month provides an opportunity to highlight the challenges many men face when it comes to discussing their health and mental wellbeing. Research consistently shows that men are less likely to seek support for mental health concerns, making awareness campaigns and community-based services an important part of encouraging people to reach out when they need help.
Men seeking support with their health and wellbeing can access a range of local services across Basildon and the surrounding area.
Andy’s Man Club Basildon offers free weekly peer-support sessions for men aged 18 and over, providing a safe, non-judgemental space to talk, listen and connect with others. Their message is simple: “It’s Okay To Talk.”
Billericay Men’s Shed and Pitsea Men’s Shed provide welcoming community spaces where men can socialise, share skills, take part in practical activities and build supportive friendships. The Men’s Shed movement helps tackle loneliness and social isolation while promoting positive wellbeing and community connection.
For more information, visit the Andy’s Man Club and Men’s Sheds websites for further details and dates of local meetings taking place.
Additional support is also available through Essex Working Well’s Mental Health Support Groups for Men and Healthwatch Essex’s Fella’s Forum, which offer opportunities for men to connect with others, access wellbeing information and discuss issues affecting their mental health.
These programmes provide a welcoming and supportive environment where men can connect with others, take part in activities, access information and support, and have open conversations about their wellbeing. The initiatives aim to reduce isolation, improve confidence and encourage positive mental and physical health outcomes for local residents.
The council will continue to work alongside partners across the borough to promote services and activities that support men’s health, recognising the important role that community connections, physical activity and early intervention can play in improving wellbeing.
Cllr Terri Sargent, Cabinet Member for Health and Inclusion, said:
“Men’s Mental Health Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges many men face and to remind people that support is available. By lighting the Basildon sign, we want to send a clear message that talking about mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.
“Health and wellbeing support groups play a vital role in bringing people together, tackling loneliness and creating safe spaces where men can have conversations, build friendships and access support. We are proud to support this work and encourage anyone who may be struggling, or simply looking to connect with others, to find out more about what help and support is available in our borough.”
Mental Health month gives us an additional opportunity to raise awareness of men’s prostrate health, which has become a national campaign. We will follow this up next month with more information on support and guidance that is available.
Residents wishing to learn more about wellbeing initiatives are encouraged to visit Basildon Council’s website and social media channels for further information.
