Support for men

Mental health can affect anyone, but as men are less likely to talk to others about their feelings, this can result in poorer mental health outcomes for men.

Only 36% of NHS referrals to psychological therapies are for men. They are less likely to seek help for their mental health and more likely to experience substance abuse, exhibit violence, and die by suicide.

While women are more likely to be diagnosed with common mental disorders than men, this doesn’t mean that men don’t struggle with their mental health.

If you are finding things difficult, you are not alone. Whatever the stage of your journey, there is lots of support available and a range of professionals to support you to find the right help for you.

There are many helpful organisations in Portsmouth offering mental health services tailored to men.

Andy’s Man Club

Andy’s Man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the UK. Andy’s Man Club wants to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

Portsmouth Central: Dennis Sciama Building, Portsmouth University, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth, PO1 3FX
Portsmouth North (from Monday 31st March): Cosham Community Centre, 1 Wootton Street, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3AP

There are also other groups in Gosport, Fareham, Southampton and Eastleigh.

Find out more

DadzChat

Dadzchat is a relaxed evening of peer-led discussion that aims to provide a safe and supportive space for fathers from all walks of life to share experiences, insights and valuable tools that enrich the journey of fatherhood.

The group is a joint initiative between The Parenting Network’s Dadzclub and NHS Talking Therapies.

Sessions take place on the first Wednesday of every month, 6.30-8.30pm at The Parenting Network Hub, 4 The Bridge Centre, Fratton, Portsmouth, PO1 1SD.

Find out more

Man Mind

Man Mind is a men’s mental health support group, led by Portsmouth resident Mark Gaizley, dedicated to men who are working on their minds and mental health.

For three Sundays every month, a group of 30-40 men gather at The Coffee Cup in Eastney for three rounds of Wim Hof breathing on the beach, a dip in the sea, and a coffee and catch up. It’s all offered for free and aims to encourage people to get talking, see new faces, and have a chat if you want to.

Find out more on Facebook

NHS Talking Therapies

NHS Talking Therapies is a team of therapists and researchers who specialise in the treatment of common mental health difficulties. The team provide talking therapies to help you cope better. The service is free and confidential.

Find out more

Portsea Men’s Shed

Portsea Men’s Shed is a community of older men who come together to take their mind off things through woodworking, metalworking, model-building and car-repairing – in a shed! Bringing men together helps people connect, converse and create, and ultimately stay mentally and physically healthier for longer.

Portsea Men’s Shed is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9.30am-12pm and can be found in Wickham Street Car Park (opposite the Hard Interchange Bus Station). The entrance is through an open gate on the corner of Wickham Street and Clock Street.

Find out more

Solent Mind Men’s Group

A safe space for men to openly discuss their mental health in a group of like-minded people.

The group meets every Tuesday, 11am-12.30pm at Make Café, 1 Cornwall Road, Fratton, PO1 5AA.

To attend, you must first complete a self-referral form.

Complete a self-referral form

SPEAK

SPEAK is a free support group for men, led by Portsmouth resident Alfie Ruffell, that aims to create a nurturing environment for men struggling with mental health and wellbeing. Support includes:

Pier-to-Pier – A mental health walk from Clarence Pier to South Parade Pier every Saturday morning at 8am. It’s free and everyone is welcome – men, women, children, pets. The group is run by a group of local residents.

The Generative Man workshop – A weekly workshop designed to empower men to rediscover their sense of self and meaning in today’s world. Co-facilitated by Dr Maria Kempinska MBE and Rio-Vitalise founder Alfie Ruffell. Runs every Monday.

Physical body sessions – A weekly session that dives into the importance of physical health and wellness as a foundation for mental resilience. Led by Simon Flannery, a skilled practitioner dedicated to physical fitness and holistic wellbeing. Runs every Tuesday.

Meditation sessions – A weekly calming meditation session dedicated to helping you find stillness and clarity amidst the noise of everyday life. Led by Steve McLean (affectionately known as ‘Macca’). Runs every Thursday.

WhatsApp community – Every man is welcome to join SPEAK’s WhatsApp community group. Sign up through the SPEAK webpage.

United Minds

United Minds Hampshire is an organisation dedicated to breaking the stigma around men’s mental health. Starting in 2021, the charity aims to use football to bring men together in a safe place to talk all things mental health.

The group organises regular talk nights – a non-judgemental talk session where you can come and talk about concerns and listen to how others are coping with the stresses and pressures of life – football matches and kick-abouts.

Find out more on Facebook

Here are some campaigns that focus on men’s mental health:

Movember

An annual campaign that raises awareness and funds for men’s mental health, prostate and testicular cancer, and suicide prevention. The main activity is growing a moustache, but people also participate in other fundraising events.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

Offers a support line and webchat for people struggling with men’s mental health. You can call CALM’s support line at 0800 58 58 58 (UK).

Men’s Minds Matter

A charity that focuses on men’s mental health and suicide.

Men’s Sheds Association

A UK organisation that helps reduce loneliness and isolation through men’s health activities.

Mental Health Foundation

Works on men’s mental health, including: