New short film series spotlights men's mental health with local faces and powerful stories

Article date: 9 October 2024

Produced by St Helens Borough Council, the series aims to shed light on the diverse challenges men face, breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health and encouraging open dialogue, launching on World Mental Health Day (10 October).

The films feature 14 men from across the community, ranging from their early 30s to their 70s, representing a wide spectrum of backgrounds and experiences. Among them are a scaffolder, a musician, retired professionals, council staff, and well-known local personalities such as Andy Reid MBE, Colin Clemmitt from popular community café Momo's CIC and Saints rugby players Jake Wingfield and Konrad Hurrell.

Honest and open conversations between these men highlight how mental health struggles can vary widely depending on life circumstances, and how they also connect us all.

Since surviving grave injuries in the line of duty as a British Army soldier, Andy Reid MBE has worked to inspire others and conquer many challenges. His Standing Tall Foundation now supports veterans and local people, tackling social issues including homelessness, debt management, relationships and mental health.

Speaking about his part in the new films, Andy said: "I think it's extremely important that men speak about their mental health, their worries and their anxiety. It's more common than you realise to look at what you're going through and think you're alone, but all men have these thoughts and feelings and the best thing to do is seek support from one of the many services in the borough."

Each man shares insights into his experience with mental health, addressing topics including disability, bereavement, abuse, drug addiction, relationship difficulties, financial troubles and more, demonstrating the need for more men to speak up, seek help and support one another.

It's especially important for men to do so given the global gender disparity in suicides, with men accounting for 74 percent of suicides in England in 2023, meaning men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.

Councillor Sue Murphy MBE, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: "Mental health can still be a tough topic to broach between men, with many suffering in silence due to perceived societal expectations on men of strength, self-reliance and masculinity. We wanted to show that no matter what you're going through - whether it's financial strain, trauma, or the everyday pressures of life - it's okay to not be okay and there is support available. We don't want anyone to suffer alone.

"These films capture not just the struggles but also the strength that comes from seeking help and connecting with others. We hope that by sharing these stories, we'll inspire more men to break the silence."

The short films will be released on the council's social media channels including X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube starting from 10 October.

Find mental health support at www.sthelens.gov.uk/mentalhealth or visit the Live Well Directory St Helens to access a wide range of services, events and community groups, at www.sthelens.gov.uk/MensMentalHealth.