Webinar Date: Wednesday 26 June 2019
Delivered by: Jim Pollard

This webinar, with Jim Pollard from Men’s Health Forum, will provide a short overview of the current mental health prevention landscape in relation to men and the role the VCSE can play.

Male mental health problems are under-diagnosed in the early stages. They are often only recognised once symptoms lead to social problems (crime, violence, suicide). Support today rather than punishment tomorrow would benefit both the men concerned and the wider community. Services aiming to promote good male mental health whether statutory or voluntary need an approach that is gender-sensitive. (It should also be age and culturally sensitive.) One size does not fit all. There may well be a tension between what men want and what services provide (for example around data or opening hours). This can create barriers which need to be honestly identified and addressed.

The Men’s Health Forum’s mission is to improve the health of men and boys in England, Wales and Scotland. Even today, one UK man in five dies before the age of 65 – and they are working to change that. To this end, they carry out research, raise awareness, work to change health policy, share and encourage the latest good practice, work with other charities and provide health information and advice to men through our website, our online chat services, Men’s Health Week and the Man Manuals. The Men’s Health Forum has long had a strong interest in mental health needs – especially those around prevention. Publications include “Untold Problems”, “Delivering Male” and “How to make mental health services work for men?”