Men's Mental Health

Chris Carr.

Joint Managing Director Carr & Carr (Builders), Chairman of the Grimsby District Builders Association, Board Member of Federation of Master Builders, Member of the Construction Leadership Council, Former Coach Grimsby RUFC.

"As I work around two of the ‘manliest’ environments - construction and rugby - I can see what bottling up these feelings can do. Every single working day in the UK, two construction workers take their own lives. This is higher than any other industry. A fifth of all work-related illness is due to stress, anxiety and depression. We need to breakdown these barriers and do something to help these men - fathers, step-fathers, partners, husbands and sons."

Vince Weavers.

Co-Founder of Ebb & Flo Living, environmental campaigner, CrossFit enthusiast, Project & Contract Manager at Ørsted.

It’s important to recognise the signs and encourage each other to speak about how we are feeling there’s no shame in feeling vulnerable, lost or sad; these are normal emotions that we all experience. It’s important to recognise, pay attention to and communicate with others regarding various warning signs such as increased risk-taking behaviour, addiction, loss of enthusiasm and changes in diet or routine. Finally, in the ever-changing world we find ourselves a part of our evolution stopped many years ago. Perceived pressures from our obsession with technology and social media can have a very quick and meaningful negative impact. In my opinion the more we talk the more chance we have of balancing on the wire. A problem shared is a problem halved.

Rob Draper.

Port Manager, Immingham Bulk Terminal - British Steel, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor, ex-British Army.

"Men, like everyone else, need help. It should be seen that it actually takes strength and courage to talk about your issues, let alone admit that you have any. If men are given the freedom and respect to be able to speak about their issues, it will make every aspect of their lives better. Make them a better father, husband, worker, friend. Empower them to potentially help and support others also. If men know their friends suffer, it may encourage them to be more open and seek help. I am passionate about men’s mental health because I suffer with it myself, and have seen first-hand the negative impacts it can have on, not just your life, but on the lives of those around you. Seeking not just help, but the right help, changed my life for the better and I would encourage any man, no matter their age, to do the same."

Christian Reavill.

Holton-Le-Clay Cricket Club Committee Member, plasterer.

"Men’s suicide rates are on the rise, with men accounting for about three-quarters of suicide deaths registered in 2019 compared to women. While women seem more likely to suffer with mental health issues according to statistics, men are more likely to commit suicide as a result of their mental health. This highlights a great issue in the amount of help sought after and received by men in regard to their mental health. If the stigma of men’s mental health can be broken down, hopefully more men will feel comfortable speaking out about their issues and getting help. Realising there is another way out."

Steven Bennett

The Lincolnshire Chef, Owner and Chef Patron at Healing Manor Hotel.

"There is such a high percentage of men who sadly die from suicide each year as well as men who turn homeless, all of which relates back to their mental health. The barriers that we as men put up around ourselves can stop us from driving forward with our lives - be it friendships, relationships or our careers. There are still so many men that see mental health as a taboo subject. We have almost lost touch with reality and it’s important that people can start to understand themselves and find the help that they need before they turn elsewhere."

Andy Rouse.

CEO of Pinnacle; and, Fusion Interactive Corporation, former snooker legend and Pitch at the Palace mentor.

"We should all push to break barriers down in all mental health. Not just men’s as the key here is in the word ‘health’. So much in life is decided under pressure, from career decisions to relationships so for a start we all need a healthy mindset so the decisions we make are informed. That’s just the basics. Add in pressure from life’s catastrophes and you can see where we get in a tangle. With men’s mental health everything is geared towards being mentally tough to achieve life goals when it should be geared towards how at peace you are with yourself and how happy you are. I’m no Jordan Peterson but I do feel we should be more open about our feelings - this would make life a lot less complicated and pressurised."

Garry Bainbridge.

Director of IshFish UK, BJJ competitor, professional yachtsman for the last 20 years competing in the world’s biggest races.

"Growing up we never talked about stuff like this, it was all football and boxing or whatever sport was on. Looking back now, I would say lots of my friends growing up had problems and sadly some of them are no longer with us. The stigma of how men are seen if the admit to having problems, being brought up to be strong and keep a stiff upper lip even when things aren’t going your way. It’s such a different world now and I would hope my children feel that they could speak to me about anything – that’s how my wife and myself are bringing them up."

Ash Lucas.

One of our incredible volunteers, Ash loves Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, like our ambassador Rob, and climing. You can often find him scaling heights in the Peaks and Lakes. If you fancy a walk  - he's your man. 

Nathan Ogley.

Shift Electrical Technician Nippon Gases/NRT Design.

One of our incredible volunteers, Nathan is a fan of getting outdoors, a nice cup of Italian roast on crips morning and passionate about supporitng his community.