Birmingham "Pub Pilgrimage" to mark the number of men lost to suicide
The HUMEN project is embarking on the fundraising drive today.
A "pub pilgrimage" is taking place in Birmingham today (December 4) to raise awareness of the number of men lost to suicide each year.
The 'Rise Against Suicide' initiative, from the HUMEN organisation, will see supporters walking 5151 metres, and then gathering at The Raven pub in Stechford.
Poignantly this year, the journey will be 500m further than in 2021, as the number of suicides across the previous year grew.
Mental health conversations in the community
HUMEN conducted research into men's habits when it comes to talking about their mental health. It found:
- 85% of men won't talk about their feelings when in the pub with friends
- 63% will discuss sport and 54% share jokes together, but only 15% will discuss each other’s feelings.
- 37% said they did not ‘want to bring the mood down
- But 78% of men agree that they should be talking about mental health more in the pub
The events are also taking place across 12 other cities and towns in the UK.
Participants will be encouraged to start with a group walk, led by HUMEN and the local community, to commemorate every life lost in 2022.
Once complete, they will return to their local pub and will be encouraged to donate the cost of a typical round and support HUMEN’s work via its Mental Health Pub Menu
This years walk is 500m further than in 2021
Founder and Actor River Hawkins told us: “We all need friendly spaces to talk, listen and connect. Pubs are the cornerstone of communities, but as our research tells us, they are currently wasted on men – who would seemingly prefer to talk about anything other than their personal trials and tribulations.
Listen to the full conversation with River on the Mental Health Monday Podcast
"We truly believe that this type of gathering place can play an important role in addressing suicide and mental health, if we just harness it for good, rather than the traditional ‘drink and forget’ mentality that plagues male social circles.
"This is the second year of our Rise Against Suicide and we intend to Rise every year for years to come. Talking openly to friends, family and professionals are essential steps to overcome the hidden issues and barriers in our quest to lower the number of suicides and in turn, lower the number of metres we walk next year.”
Find out more about HUMEN and how you can get involved.