Men's Mental Health Awareness Month (November) is a reminder that support often starts with two people choosing to show up for one another.
At Unbreakable Men, we see every week how connection can change a life across the county. In the past year, two men who met through the programme shared their story with us, a story that reflects the quiet strength of community, which is something we value here at SASP.
Both came from similarly tough backgrounds, with patterns they had struggled with for years. But through the sessions, conversations, and shared experiences, they found something that many men silently go without: a genuine, healthy friendship. One that holds them accountable, lifts them up, and makes the tough days a little easier to face.
As life got tougher for one of them overnight, which in the past might have pushed him back toward old habits. Instead, he reached out to his friend from the group. They met up, talked, sat together, and navigated the evening in a way that kept him grounded. What could have been a spiral in grief became a moment of strength. He credits that shift to the support he's found at Unbreakable Men.
One of them recently told us: "I enjoy the group, it really makes me feel safe and normal."
This is what Men's Mental Health Awareness Month is all about: raising awareness of the importance of connection, conversation, and spaces where men can show vulnerability without judgment. Too many men feel they have to handle everything alone. But when we create places where they can be more open, we give them a chance to rewrite their story.
Looking for help and Support?
Samaritans: Call 116 123 or www.samaritans.org
Mindline UK: Emotional and mental health helpline: www.mindline.org.uk
Unbreakable Men (SASP): www.sasp.co.uk/unbreakable-men - The Unbreakable Men Project is delivered by Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership and funded by Open Mental Health.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): www.thecalmzone.net
For mental health guidance, crisis support, self-help tools and treatment pathways, visit the NHS mental health support page: www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
The Unbreakable Men Project is delivered by Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership and funded by Open Mental Health.
More information: https://www.sasp.co.uk/unbreakable-men