More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Two men wanting to stop the stigma surrounding male mental health have created a safe space for those struggling in their community.
Beginning earlier this year, Tom Perry and Jamie Lumsden began The Men's Mind Project, which runs weekly support sessions for men in Snodland.
This week marks the beginning of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual event that encourages the growing of moustaches in support of speaking out.
Known as Movember, men across Kent are uniting to raise awareness of men's health issues, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide.
Wanting to stop the stigma surrounding male mental health, Tom Perry set up the charity at the start of the year.
Tom said: "We run a weekly support group for men and, if needed, we can help those in need access further support.
"The sessions are somewhere for men to speak about their struggles and not be judged.
"Myself and Jamie, who is also a life coach, have both been there, we have both struggled ourselves with mental health and that really helps men speak out and feel comfortable."
Tom has struggled with depression for 15 years and as a result he had a mental break down last Christmas.
He says that he was extremely lucky with the support he received, but soon learnt that this wasn't the case for everyone.
Because of this he wanted to set up the Men's Mind Project as a way of helping others.
He said: "I was embarrassed to speak out, men are painted to be these manly robots and this is why a lot of them don't share their feelings with loved ones and professionals.
"The weekly sessions really help men speak out about troubles they're having because everyone in attendance can relate.
"My life and struggles is relatable for a lot of the men so they feel comfortable to speak up, even if it is just for a rant.
"Mental health problems don't go away, you'll never get rid of them, but, by speaking out and getting help you will learn to control it."
Tom and Jamie get between eight and 10 men at their sessions each week, but, they also get a lot of men reaching out to them online.
Three times as many men as women die by taking their own life and men aged 40-49 have the highest rate of suicide in the UK.
They are also less likely to access psychological therapies and only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.
Speaking on Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, Tom added: "Having a month creates a focus point, but people shouldn't just think of men's mental health in November.
"Mental health struggles are 24-hours a day, seven days a week, it doesn't go away, however, Movember does give a pinpoint for men to start speaking out.
"I think men need to speak up, if you're in a dark place speak to someone.
"People are there to to help you, they won't judge you, The Men's Mind Project helps let men know there are people to help them, even if it is just to let off steam."
Tom and Jamie run their weekly session at Snodland Town Council, Waghorn Road, ME6 5BQ, from 7 pm to 9 pm on Mondays.
Click here to join the charities Facebook page or click here to find out more about the men's support group.
For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time or click here to visit the website.
