London Assembly Health Committee Report: Men’s mental health in London
Today, on International Men’s Day (November 19th), we are proud to highlight our involvement in the London Assembly’s new report on “Men’s mental health in London” – launched today at City Hall.
This important piece of work shines a light on the very real challenges many men face across London, from the ongoing impact of stigma and outdated expectations of masculinity, to the pressures of work, housing, financial insecurity and loneliness.
The report makes clear that although more men are beginning to talk openly about their mental health, too many still struggle to seek support until they are in crisis.
There were 10 recommendations included in the report, including how the Government should develop an action plan to increase access and take up of Talking Therapies services. As well as, encouraging the Mayor of London to invest in training more male-focused counsellors and therapists, while establishing mental health emergency departments; more mental health education for schools; and working with voluntary and community sector to improve access to support and reach, and tailoring it towards London’s distinct needs.
Our CEO Dr David Palmer at City Hall for the launch
Men continue to be under-represented in services such as NHS Talking Therapies, despite suicide remaining the leading cause of death for men under 50. The findings also highlight the growing influence of online spaces, where both positive and harmful messages about masculinity can profoundly affect young men’s wellbeing.
We are especially encouraged that the report recognises the essential role of voluntary and community organisations in reaching men in ways that feel safe, familiar and accessible. At Mind in Bexley, our work across the London Borough of Bexley shows just how effective community-led support can be, whether through men’s groups, targeted outreach, activity-based programmes or non-clinical spaces where men can simply talk and be heard.
Our Barbershop Project, funded by Bexley Council’s Public Health Team, was also highlighted in the report as an example of a pioneering and innovative approach to encouraging people to engage with mental health services.
International Men’s Day is a reminder that men’s wellbeing matters, and that support must be shaped around real lives, real pressures and real communities. We are pleased to have contributed to this report and it’s launch today, and will continue to champion practical, compassionate mental health support for men of all ages.
You can read the full report on the London Assembly website – here
Images from the report launch:
