For mental health awareness week 2023, we shared some poignant documentaries around men's mental health. Man Down is a revealing documentary shining a light on the more sinister side of the music industry and its impact on, specifically men's, mental health. The documentary includes interviews with Rag'n'Bone Man and Portishead producer, Geoff Barrow, as well as various other talents musicians and DJs.
Man Down was created by the Man Down Programme (MDP) whose mission is to encourage men and people who identify as male in the music industry to have open, honest conversations about mental wellbeing and their experiences. They want to address the growing number of deaths from suicide, which is higher among young men. By having open conversations, mental health and personal hurdles can be normalised and people will feel supported before harmful consequences arise.
The Man Down Programme offers lots bespoke toolkits and training for professionals and individuals via their website.
The list of resources they share is copied below and if what you saw has motivated you to reach out, please do. If you need help with finding the right help you can contact us too via email or phone and we will be able to help you Monday - Friday, 9.30 am - 5.30 pm. We would be grateful to help and we encourage you to, because we're listening.
If you need immediate help:
- In an emergency:
- Call 999
- Go to your local A&E department
-
- If you're in crisis and need to speak to someone:
- Call NHS 111 (for when you need help but are not in immediate danger)
- Contact your GP and ask for an emergency appointment
- Contact the Samaritans (details below)
- Use the 'Shout' crisis text line - text SHOUT to 85258
Other sources of advice and support
Samaritans
- Available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts.
- www.samaritans.org
- 116 123 (free to call from within the UK and Ireland), 24 hours a day
- Email: [email protected]
Mind
- Mind offers advice, support and information to people experiencing a mental health difficulty and their family and friends. Mind also has a network of local associations in England and Wales to which people can turn for help and assistance.
- Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm (except bank holidays).
- www.mind.org.uk
- InfoLine: 0300 123 3393 to call, or text 86463
- Email [email protected]
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LGBT Foundation
Rethink Mental Illness
- Rethink Mental Illness works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, recover a better quality of life. It provides effective services and support and campaigns for change through greater awareness and understanding.
- www.rethink.org
- National Advice Service: 0300 5000 927 (Open 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday)
- Email [email protected]
- (Rethink was formerly called the National Schizophrenia Fellowship)
PAPYRUS UK
- PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They support young people under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, as well as people concerned about someone else.
- www.papyrus-uk.org
- Helpline: 0800 068 4141
- Text: 07786209697
- Email: [email protected]
- Open 10am-10pm on weekdays and 2pm-10pm on weekends and bank holidays
Black Men's Health
YoungMinds
- www.youngminds.org.uk
- Parents helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri from 9.30am to 4pm)
- YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258
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Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
- A helpline for men in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- www.thecalmzone.net
- Helpline for men: 0800 58 58 58
- Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/
- 5pm to midnight, every day of the year
Black Minds Matter UK
Sane
- SANE services provide practical help, emotional support and specialist information to individuals affected by mental health problems, their family, friends and carers.
- Support Forum: www.sane.org.uk
- Saneline: 0300 304 7000 (local rate on BT landlines) Open 4:30-10:30pm every day
Mentell
- Mentell provides circles for men aged 18+ to talk in a safe and confidential space, free from advice and judgement.
- www.mentell.org.uk
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Gendered Intelligence
NHS mental health services
- Find information, advice and local services on the NHS website. You can also get advice from the NHS 111 phone service.
