MAY 12 to 18 marks Mental Health Awareness Week and a Somerset organisation has launched an awareness campaign for groups which help support people in need.
In Somerset, men are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than women.
As a result, several groups in the county are taking innovative approaches to mental health support through community-based initiatives – and they’re making a huge difference.
The Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) recently awarded £5,000 to Talk Club and has handed more than £80,000 to 12 Men’s Sheds across the county since 2017.
The funding helps these groups deliver vital mental health support in local communities.
“As one of 47 UK Community Foundations, we see how community activities greatly benefit wellbeing,” said Andy Ridgewell, programmes director for SCF.
“Our research identifies vulnerable groups, allowing us to fund local organisations addressing these challenges. Talk Club and Men’s Sheds exemplify this approach.”
The funding comes against a backdrop of an escalating mental health crisis in Somerset.
Since 2018, adults reporting long-term mental health conditions have increased by 11%; Depression rates exceed both national and south west regional averages; People’s happiness, life satisfaction, and sense of worth have all declined as anxiety levels rise; Suicide rates among men are 16% higher than the England average.
Despite the statistics, men are less likely to seek help.
Women refer themselves for mental health treatment at almost double the rate of men and represent 58.9% of mental health admissions compared to 41.1% for men.
Talk Club, a national men’s mental health charity, plans to open five new groups in the west Somerset and Taunton areas, aiming to support around 370 men a year.
Ben Akers, co-CEO and co-founder of Talk Club, said: “As a society, there are many expectations and traditional gender roles that make men less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health challenges.
“Our groups offer a safe space for men to share how they feel and listen to others –something that can save lives.
“Since we were founded in 2019, over 100 men have told us they’re only here because of the community we’ve created.
“Looking at the statistics, we know there’s a need to grow our presence in Somerset, and we’re building on our Talk & Listen group currently operating in Bridgwater.”
Meanwhile, Men’s Shed projects have sprung up around the county in recent years, with research suggesting men engage more readily with mental health support that meets their preferences: accessible, meaningful and engaging programmes often centred around practical activities rather than direct discussion of emotions.
The Men’s Shed movement showcases this approach, offering community spaces where men can become ‘Shedders’ who make, repair and repurpose items through neighbourhood projects. According to the UKMSA Health and Wellbeing Survey 2023, 88% of regular Men’s Shed attendees feel connected with their wider community.
Peter Nash, from Shepton Mallet Men’s Shed, said: “We established our Shed in 2017, and it’s been growing ever since, now with over 30 members.
“We have a variety of Shedders, some facing challenges such as recent loss of a partner or communication barriers.
“Having the Shed as a space to socialise, use skills, and feel purposeful to the wider community has helped people overcome some of these issues.”
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