James Evans MS held a debate in the Senedd to recognise International Men’s Day and to highlight the importance of recognising and addressing the physical and mental health challenges that face men. James spoke the difficulties faced by men and their reluctance to open up and discuss mental health concerns. Last year, the Samaritans highlighted that men in rural areas are less likely to seek mental health support and that in the Western world, men die by suicide are three to four times more often than women, with a greater frequency among those over the age of 65.
James Evans MS said: “Men’s mental health is rarely talked about and I welcome this focus on men’s health and wellbeing. In my role as Shadow Mental Health Minister, we desperately need to address the high suicide rates amongst men. In 2020, 73% of suicide deaths in the UK were men. I am concerned with the high levels of uncertainty and pressures in the farming sector at the moment. Many men tell me ‘I have learnt to deal with it’ or ‘I don’t wish to be a burden’. To those people, I will always say seek help, turn to a friend, a colleague, a local charity. There is help out there but we have to break down the stigma that it is ok to seek help.
We have amazing charities in our area that focus on male mental health, one of which is Mens Sheds. I have been fortunate to visit a few Sheds now and they are great forums for men to get together, have a brew and a chat and break down the barriers for men to seek help and support. Many ‘shedders’ have told me how beneficial these groups have been in helping mental health and that their lives have been turned around. This movement started in Australia but is growing from strength to strength. A report saying 1 in 8 men experience symptoms for mental health problems, groups like Mens Shed along with NHS provision is vitally important”.
