Men’s Mental Health: Why Talking Still Matters

November marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the challenges men face when it comes to opening up, asking for help, and finding the right support.

For generations, men have been told to “man up”, “keep calm and carry on”, or “don’t make a fuss”. But behind closed doors, too many are struggling in silence.

According to Mental Health UK, around one in eight men has a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Men are also less likely to seek psychological help than women, yet three out of four suicides in the UK are by men.

These are heartbreaking statistics, but they don’t define the story. Because slowly, and bravely, more men are starting to talk.

We know that therapy can be life-changing and that sometimes, just taking the first step is the hardest part. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, joining a walking group, or booking that first counselling session, every small action helps break the stigma and build connection.

Finding the right kind of support for men's mental health

Support doesn’t have to mean sitting in a therapy room (though that’s a brilliant option too).

Across Cheshire and the UK, there are plenty of spaces designed especially for men to talk, listen, and connect, no pressure, no judgement.

• Mentell – a UK charity providing free, confidential talking groups for men aged 18+, both in person and online. It’s a safe space to share (or simply listen) among men who “get it”.

  
  

• Men Walking and Talking – free walking groups where conversation flows as easily as the steps. Sometimes, the best chats happen side-by-side rather than face-to-face.

  
  

• Andy’s Man Club – peer support groups running nationwide (including locally) every Monday evening. “It’s okay to talk” is more than a slogan, it’s a lifeline.

  
  

• Men in Sheds – community workshops bringing people together over shared projects, DIY and laughter. A space to connect, create, and feel part of something.

  
  

• Directions for Men – local men’s support groups, including one in Northwich, where men can share, learn, and rebuild confidence together.

  
  

Counselling and talking therapy for men

If you’re based in Ellesmere Port, your GP or Social Prescriber through One Ellesmere Port Primary Care Network can refer you for free counselling sessions with Healthbox CIC.

For those living outside this area, our Affordable Counselling Service offers low-cost sessions (£25 each), delivered by trained professionals over the phone or via secure video call, available to anyone, anywhere in the UK.

We also have a number of male counsellors and therapists online, for those who may feel more comfortable speaking with another man about their experiences. Whether it’s stress, grief, relationships, anxiety, or identity, our counsellors provide a safe, confidential, and compassionate space to talk.

And because we’re a not-for-profit, every penny made through our counselling service goes straight back into supporting community wellbeing projects, helping more people get the help they need, when they need it.

A message to men: it’s okay to reach out

We know life can be heavy pressures to be strong, to keep it together, to be the provider or protector. But you don’t have to carry it all alone.

Reaching out isn’t weakness; it’s courage.

So this November, check in with the men in your life. Go for that walk. Ask twice. And if you’re struggling, take that step, talk to someone, join a group, or reach out for therapy.

You deserve to be heard. You deserve to feel well. And support is out there.

If you’d like to find out more about our counselling for men, visit Healthbox CIC’s Affordable Counselling Service.