Community leaders in the village of Peasedown St John near Bath are encouraging men to talk more about their mental health.
Gavin Heathcote, Benice Hampton and Cllr Karen Walker | Photo © Peasedown Community Trust
In the UK, 3 out of 4 deaths by suicide are men. In England and Wales, suicide is the leading cause of death among men aged 20–34.
Gavin Heathcote, Chairman of the Peasedown Community Trust, said: “The statistics around men’s mental health are deeply worrying.
“As a society we really need to move away from this traditional view than men shouldn’t express their feelings or show emotions – they definitely should, it’s good to talk!
“As part of the Community Trust’s annual campaign in support of ‘Movember’, the month of November which is dedicated to raising awareness of men’s physical and mental health, we’re reminding villagers about the mental health support services we’re providing in partnership with MIND at the Peasedown Community Library.”
Every Tuesday at the library, MIND, the area’s mental health support charity, runs counselling sessions for any member of the public to sign up for. No referral is needed, although appointments need to be booked in advance.
Cllr Karen Walker, the Library’s Operations Manager, commented: “We launched our brand-new counselling service in partnership with MIND earlier in the Spring, thanks to funding provided by the Peasedown Community Trust.
“The initiative sees a counsellor based at the community library every Tuesday where people can receive support, advice and guidance.
“In England, 1 in 4 people will struggle with their mental health during their lifetime which is why it’s important that initiatives like this happen, especially in rural communities.”
Peasedown Community Trust and Bath Mind’s new affordable counselling is open to all residents of Peasedown St John and Somer Valley, aged 16 and over, by appointment.
During the month of November, men are being particularly encouraged to sign up for a session.
They are held every Tuesday at Peasedown Community Library which is located at The Hive Community Centre on Bath Road.
To find out more and book, email [email protected].
