Behind the statistics are fathers, sons, partners and friends. With male suicide rates remaining frighteningly high, talking could make a vital difference.
“3 in 4 suicides registered in England in 2024 were men.”
Men’s mental health is something we are talking about more openly, but the statistics show just how urgently those conversations are still needed.
The male suicide rate stood at 17.1 deaths per 100,000, more than three times the female rate. Men aged 50 to 54 recorded the highest suicide rate of any age and sex group.
Behind every statistic is a person, and a family, friendship group or community left behind. But support does not always have to begin in a clinical setting.
“Sometimes support starts with a brew, a conversation and discovering that you are not the only one struggling.”
That support is now available here in Skelmersdale through Andy’s Man Club, a men’s suicide prevention charity providing free peer-to-peer and online support.
Every Monday at 7pm, based in the Artz Centre Hartland, Skelmersdale, WN8 6QE, men aged 18 and over can attend, with no referral or appointment needed.
Sessions give men the chance to talk about their week, share something positive and, importantly, get anything troubling them off their chest.
Nobody is forced to speak before they are ready.
Since the Skelmersdale group launched earlier this year, new faces have continued to walk through the door.
The message behind it is simple, but potentially life-changing: #ITSOKTOTALK
Find out more: www.andysmanclub.co.uk