Essex Mental Health Support Groups for Men

We are losing too many of our men to suicide – globally 3:1 (men to women).  Our Essex men and lads are literally dying of embarrassment – too fearful, ashamed or proud to ask for help from their GP, friends, family or colleagues.

In Essex, we have a number of fantastic support groups that offer an opportunity to talk, walk or play football in a safe, caring space.  If you know someone, or maybe you are finding it hard to talk about your feelings why not reach out to one of these groups:

Essex County Council Men4MentalHealth – Courses for men running throughout 2023

A course for men aged 16-65 living in Essex (excl Southend and Thurrock).

The 6 week course (face to face or virtual) will help you to:

  • make healthy choices to improve your wellbeing
  • Learn more about sleep, diet and exercise
  • Learn coping strategies to manage sleep, anxiety and depression
  • Explore how physical and mental health are connected
  • Make links with supportive services in your community

The Adult Health and Mental Wellbeing Team
Contact us either by calling: 03330 322 958 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)
Or email us at:mh.wellbeingteam@essex.gov.uk

Mates in Mind

As part of their holistic approach of mental health support to construction, transport and related industries, Mates in Mind have now introduced a new service call “Be a Mate Text Service”

https://www.matesinmind.org/training-and-resources/be-a-mate-text-service

Andy’s Man Club – #ITSOKAYTOTALK

A men’s mental health charity providing free-to-attend (no referral needed), talking groups for men and challenges the stigmas around Male Mental Health.  There are over 170 groups in the UK now  To find your local group please go to www.andysmanclub.co.uk.

Watch the video

MATES – Mental health Awareness Through Educational Speaking Community Interest Company

Mates is a community, it’s about all of us.  We created MATES because we want to bridge that gap between keeping things bottled up and having someone to chat to.  We got together with a common goal that we know we can make a difference.  Our friends know that we are approachable individuals and they can do and have an honest non-judgemental, confidential conversation about mental health with us, whenever they want.  Getting things off your chest is such a massive step, a really important step.  We care, Conversations change lives.

MATES run weekly groups on a Tuesday at 7 pm at the United Brethren, New Writtle Street, Chelmsford CM1 3DT.  They also run weekly walks, and football training, arrange weekly football matches and have a Facebook community.  Based in Chelmsford, but with groups in 68 countries globally.  Watch the video

Walk&Talk4Men “When life gets tough, we’re here to listen”

A local support group that gets together a couple of times a month for a stroll around a country park whilst having a chat in a safe place without judgement! It gives men the opportunity to offload, get things off our chest and talk about how they are feeling rather than bottling it up and suffering in silence.

Mental fitness is just as important as our physical fitness. Men in general find it difficult to open up and talk about their feelings. They often see it as a weakness, they feel they always need to be strong, tough and macho. At Walk&Talk4Men they want to encourage men that it’s okay to talk and that nobody is alone.  Walk&Talk4Men

Chat1st – Chatty Walks Brentwood – “What’s the bravest thing you ever said” asked the boy “Help,” said the Horse

Free supported walks for mental wellbeing.  Every Tuesday at 10 am at the Brentwood Centre Car Park.  for more details contact: chat1stwellbeing@gmail.com 

Chat1st also offer a range of activities for adults and young people.  For more information

Men 4 Mental Health Support

The course is open to any men aged 18-35 living in Essex (excluding Southend and Thurrock).  There is the option to attend face to face or online.

This course is for men who would like to gain a better understanding of their mental health.  The six session programme aims to support you in making healthy choices which will support your wellbeing.

Tel No. 0333 322 958  email mh.wellbeingteam@essex.gov.uk

facebook.com/essexcountycouncil

Never Too Late Mate – Community Facebook support

https://www.facebook.com/nevertoolatemate/

Men Shed Network

It is a community space for men to get together and take part in practical activities such as woodworking, crafts and gardening. A larger version of the typical men’s garden shed , they offer:

  • A space for people to learn new skills and share existing ones
  •  Make new friends over a shared interest, with a welcoming community feel.

Basildon Borough, Braintree District, Castlepoint Borough, Chelmsford City, Harlow District, Maldon District, Rochford District, Uttlesford District

Find out more

Livewell – Mental Health Support for men

For further support available in Essex