As part of Men’s Health Month, we’re pleased to announce that a new section dedicated to men’s mental health has been added to the Talk Suicide website.
This section has been created to encourage open conversations, raise awareness, and provide tailored support for men who may be struggling with their mental health or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
🌟 What’s Included
Real-life stories from men who’ve faced mental health challenges
Information on local and national charities offering specialist support
Insightful pages exploring topics such as toxic masculinity and the barriers that stop men from seeking help
A powerful documentary sharing one man’s personal journey through suicidal thoughts and recovery
👥 How You Can Help
We’re asking all partners—particularly those working in emergency departments, health settings, and the voluntary sector—to:
Share the link with colleagues, service users, and community networks
Encourage others to complete the FREE online suicide prevention training available on the site
Your support in promoting this vital resource can help us reach more men in our communities—and could genuinely help to save lives.
💬 Get Involved
If your organisation offers workshops, local services, or personal stories that could enhance the content on the Talk Suicide website, we’d love to hear from you.
Together, we can break down stigma and make sure men know that it’s okay to talk—and to seek help.
November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month — a vital time to shine a light on the unique pressures men face, the stigma that still surrounds asking for help, and the importance of connecting with others. It’s also a powerful opportunity to raise awareness of how local support networks and platforms can make a real difference.
This year, we’d like to highlight the role of one such resource: the digital directory The Essex Map (www.theessexmap.co.uk). Whether you’re supporting friends, family or colleagues — or reaching out for yourself — The Essex Map is a centralised hub to find mental-health support across Essex, for men and anyone who needs support.
Why this matters
Research shows that men are less likely to seek help for mental health problems compared to women.
Many mental illnesses begin before the age of 25; early intervention matters. (Source: UK Parliament)
In Essex, the mental-health support system is complex and can be difficult to navigate. (Source: UK Parliament)
Platforms like The Essex Map help bridge that gap by putting many options in one place.
What The Essex Map offers
A searchable, browsable directory of local services, groups and activities across Essex, tailored for a range of needs (community groups, peer support, wellbeing-activities).
Support both for individuals looking for help and for groups/organisations offering support to get listed, so the network keeps growing.
Sign-posting to services specifically designed for men (or all genders) — for example, courses like Men4Mental Health run by Essex County Council’s Adult Mental Health & Wellbeing team.
A free, accessible, online resource: you can explore from home, pick what’s relevant and share it easily with someone you think might benefit.
How you can use it
If you’re looking for help: Go to www.theessexmap.co.uk, enter your postcode or browse by category (e.g., “mental health – men”, “wellbeing groups”), and see what’s available locally.
If you run or know a group: Consider getting listed on The Essex Map so others can find you. It’s a way to amplify your reach and make sure men who may otherwise struggle to access help can discover what you offer.
For workplaces, community groups or families: Share the link internally, raise awareness during November (and beyond) about men’s mental health, and encourage people to check what support exists locally.
For men’s health conversations: Use this month as a prompt — have a check-in with yourself and others: How am I doing? What’s my support network? What local resource could I connect with if needed?
Practical suggestions for this month
Choose one day this November to pause and reflect: maybe take 10 minutes to check The Essex Map for local support.
Organise a small group chat (among colleagues, friends or in a men’s group) about mental health: what it means for each of you, what support is out there, what stops you asking for help.
Share a local group listing or resource from The Essex Map with someone you know — you don’t need to be a mental health professional to sign-post.
Make a “wellbeing plan”: simple actions like getting outdoors, regular sleep, talking to someone when things feel heavy — and “if it escalates, here’s the link to The Essex Map”.
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a campaign—it’s a chance to open the door to conversations, break down barriers and connect people with tangible support. The Essex Map gives us a practical way to locate that support right here in our community.
If you’re navigating tough times — or know someone who is — visit www.theessexmap.co.uk, explore what’s available, and remember: you don’t have to go it alone.
Let’s make this November count. Let’s talk. Let’s reach out. Let’s use what’s available. Together, we can build stronger connections and healthier lives.
