Anti-suicide campaigners walking across Manchester for men's mental health
A campaign to encourage men to open up about their mental health has been holding an event in Manchester.
Last updated 27th Nov 2023
The event saw people come together to walk 5,151m, a metre for each man who lost his life to suicide last year.
The 2022 fundraising challenge 'Pub Pilgrimage' aimed to bring friends, families and communities together to reflect and honour those who have been lost.
Jack Smith, HUMEN volunteer said "As a young male, especially straight out of university I know that men's mental health is in the spotlight now more than ever. I recognize that what university's and schools offer for young men isn't where it needs to be".
Jack said he got involved as a volunteer as he wants to give back to that sector of the industry.
"It's massively important, the outreach that something like this can have for people who really need it is immeasurable."
New research shows that men often find it hard to communicate their struggles at their favourite meeting places – pubs and bars.
On average, men spend four hours a week at the pub, discussing sport and telling jokes, but only 15% would use the space to talk about how they really feel.
In light of this research, HUMEN have partnered with Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Bars to bring mental health experts to these gathering spots and encourage open conversation among the male population.
Guy Mason, head of cooperate affairs for Star Pubs & Bars said "We wanted to raise awareness for men's mental health and we thought it was really interesting to use the pub in a slightly different way"
"Opening up and talking about feelings and about difficulties, in a real way with other people is a way of sharing that load and unburdening yourself and hopefully preventing suicide amongst men in the future."
"We often talk about pubs as a way of bringing people together, it's not about the alcohol, it's about enjoying each others company over a coffee, or over a cake. It doesn't really matter what you're doing inside the pub, it's about being together." Guy says.
Atlas Bar owner Elaine Wrigley, where today's event took place said "We sadly lost our youngest son 7 years ago to suicide and so you can only imagine it's very close to home"
"This is just such an amazing cause trying to get young men to open up and talk about how they're feeling and actually if they need help, reaching out and asking for it"
"Young men spend a lot of time in bars but actually they don't think it could be a place they chat to one another if they're feeling challenged or needing some support or advice"
"Pubs are a very safe space as well and if someone needs help, certainly here we've always got people who would want to help" Elaine says.
Chris Greenhalgh from I Love Manchester said "Male suicide is something that's affected my life in one way or another from people close to me. It's a very important subject matter"
Chris said his key message for men take away from the day would be "Have a space to share your thoughts and feelings. Open up and don't be afraid to talk".
If you or someone you know are feeling suicidal, support is available at Samaritans, who's hotline is open 24 hours a day at 116 123. Alternatively you can text SHOUT to 85258.