For International Men’s Day Salford City Council have launched commitment to improving men’s mental health.
The project by the council have been launched and will act on the recommendations made by Men in Mind mental health report produced by Healthwatch Salford.
Salford Men’s Mental Health Commission was set up in September 2023 with Healthwatch Salford because evidence has shown many men don’t seek help, and may be struggling to cope as a result.
The commission asked men across the city for their views on their state of mind, the support currently available, and how that support might be improved to meet their needs.
Men from a wide range of backgrounds were invited to take part in the first stage of the commission and co-designed an engagement project, called Men in Mind Salford.
Following the report, Salford City Council will aim to improve understanding, and offer more support to make a real difference to men’s lives in Salford.
And this support will be vital for improving men’s mental health, as in the UK, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, with men between the ages of 40 and 49 having the highest suicide rates.
Salford City Council will be using different approaches to support men in the community, and encouraging different methods including physical activity.
The mental health commissions work has also seen developments and support from Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, Councillor John Merry, Councillor Hannah Robinson Smith and Councillor Mishal Saeed.
And with the commitment issued by Salford City Council, it will look to provide the essential resources for men across the city.
As Councillor Mishal Saeed, Executive Support Social Care and Mental Health, said: “The Men in Mind Salford report is a crucial step in understanding the mental health needs of men in our city.
“We have been able to hear from local men and their loved ones from various backgrounds about the pressures they face and how they could be helped to have better mental wellbeing.
“The statistics around men’s mental health are deeply concerning and highlight the importance of understanding and tackling the mental health challenges men face
And this was also shared by Healthwatch Salford who believe the commission is an important improvement in men’s mental health.
As Chief Officer Sam Cook added: “We have been delighted to facilitate the Salford Men’s Mental Health Commission which is such an important piece of work.
“Poor mental health can have such a huge impact on people’s lives and we hope this report will be an important step forward in achieving a real improvement.”
The commitment made will be a significant change to helping support men across city.
The full report can be accessed here.
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