Our ambition
Statistics show that more men die by suicide than women and that middle aged men are particularly at risk. The picture is complex; it could be because men are more likely to be affected by economic adversity, relationship breakdown and isolation, and are less likely to seek help. As part of the Partnership’s suicide prevention strategy, we aim to reach men in this group to address suicide head on, encourage peer support and improve mental fitness.
What we did
We worked with men with lived experience to create the Great Minds Project. It increased awareness of the risk factors and warning signs of male suicide. Partnering with the charity State of Mind Sport, we delivered a seven-week online mental fitness course. Sessions gave attendees the opportunity to share their stories and ask questions.
The men who attended lived right across West Yorkshire and Harrogate and were aged between 19 and 71, with the average age of 44. During the last week of the course, local voluntary sector organisations also attended the sessions, to talk about their services so that mental health support could be sustained after the course ended.
"It’s overwhelming what this course has done for me... I know it’s just the very start of a journey, but at least that journey started. I’ll keep it going. I feel so much better."
"I’ve now been to see my GP, I’ve been putting that off for 8 months so really appreciate what you’ve done."
Feedback from online sessions
What’s next?
As part of the Great Minds campaign, we also connected with 87 different suicide prevention projects and organisations from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate to establish a Voluntary Sector Network Forum. Representatives from these projects and oranisations were invited to monthly Forum meetings to share learning and best practice. The Network Forum continues and has become an invaluable resource for peer support and delivering the Partnership’s suicide prevention strategy.