Where To Find Mental Health Support

Social expectations of masculinity are often skewed against Black men, which can lead to mental health struggles being kept hidden, and consequently more Black men being sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Black Minds Matter is a specialist charity that offers expert help to Black individuals and families by connecting them with a network of therapists who can work through issues without stigma.

Visit BlackMindsMatterUK.com

Almost three-quarters of UK and US suicides are male. It’s a frightening statistic that charity Humen is addressing. At the heart of its mission is the belief that all men should be able to talk openly without judgment or ridicule. Humen’s spaces – both physical and online – facilitate just that. Access is free and regular, with sessions taking place every Monday at 6.30pm.

Visit WeAreHumen.org

If things in your head are chaotic and confused, it’s probably better that any offers of help are slick and streamlined. That’s exactly what Augmentive aims to be with its simple, smart interface and clearly priced, easy access to a host of certified therapists, coaches, psychiatrists and holistic professionals.

Visit Augmentive.io

Opening up about feelings and worries can be tough, which is why Man Up aims to break down as many barriers to help as possible. Its free online therapy sessions are helmed by Harley Street psychotherapists, while other free talks are hosted by everyone from policy makers to doctors and campaigners. The website is easy to navigate and features videos on topics covering everything from male domestic abuse to relationships with food. In addition to providing ongoing support for anyone in need, the team at Man Up work hard to improve men’s mental health services, fund research and advocate for policy change. 

Visit ManUp.how 

Founded by Steve Whittle, who himself suffered from debilitating mental health issues, Tough to Talk provides a wealth of resources to men in crisis. It’s also a great port of call for the loved ones of anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, detailing behaviours to watch out for, warning signs and urgent care numbers to call to speak with trained experts.

Visit ToughToTalk.com

It’s hard to overestimate how much CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) has done to support mental health in the 27 years since it was founded. One of the first charities to shine a light on suicide, CALM’s mission continues to be to help anyone struggling with life and suicidal thoughts, while at the same time equipping everyone with the knowledge and understanding of how to help those in need. As well as fundraising and campaigning to raise awareness, the charity offers fast and easy access to services, information and advice.

Visit TheCalmZone.net

As well as raising awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer and general male health issues, Movember is also dedicated to making a difference on men’s mental health issues. The initiatives it supports through fundraising include some that work with construction workers, veterans and rugby clubs to offer support and advice. Another Movember-funded programme helps community sports clubs to teach young men how to talk about their mental health. Its website features inspiring stories from people who have directly benefited from the charity’s hard work.

Visit UK.Movember.com

Olivia takes a bespoke approach to online therapy. Each journey starts with a 60-minute chat with one of the team’s therapists to better understand your objectives and how you’re feeling. Within 24 hours, you’ll be matched with a therapist. After your first two sessions, the team will check in to see how you’re doing. Trained to help with everything from depression and relationship issues to grief and adapting to parenthood, every Olivia therapist has been practising for at least seven years, and has gone through a six-step recruitment process. Sessions can be booked between 7am and 8pm on weekdays.

Visit Olivia.House

Offering the full range of psychotherapy, psychiatry, counselling and coaching services online, The Soke aims to destigmatise the world of therapy. The Soke’s expert roster features therapists trained to deal with addictive behaviours, divorce, family conflict, career planning, redundancy, infertility and everything in between. Its Alpha-Stim treatment is worth trying if you’re suffering from anxiety – it’s approved by the NHS and proven to treat depression in as little as 20 minutes.

Visit TheSoke.uk

If you’re interested by the idea of therapy but not sure where to start, online service Help Hub can help you start your journey. Offering free 20-minute calls with a qualified therapist, Help Hub can give you the emotional support you need to feel better. You can book a call as many times as you like and there’s also the option to book a call for someone else, such as an elderly relative without internet access who you feel needs support. 

Visit TheHelpHub.co.uk

More studies are showing meditation and mindfulness are crucial for looking after your mental wellbeing, so it could be worth downloading Headspace. It has released a free content series designed to help you navigate change, reframe anxiety and deal with tough times. Whether you’re struggling to sleep, feel constantly anxious or are overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks, Headspace offers essential tools for managing stress. 

Visit Headspace.com

This free service connects users to a trained, empathetic listener 24 hours a day, allowing you to open up and chat about what’s on your mind. Your listener – matched to you by age, gender and what you want to talk about – will be available for as long as you need them, all via a text-based chat. The service is anonymous and secure, and there’s also the option to keep a journal after each session, allowing you to reflect on your thoughts and feelings as you go.

Visit HearMe.App