Northamptonshire residents are invited to join a collaborative effort by North and West Northamptonshire councils to address the often-unspoken challenges of men’s mental health. As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, a free online webinar on Thursday, 14 May, will provide a platform for open dialogue and practical support. The initiative aims to help locals understand why we need to Let’s talk about men’s mental health to prevent crises before they escalate.
📌 Svarbiausi akcentai
* Free online access via Microsoft Teams for all residents
* Focus on reducing social stigma and promoting early intervention
* Personal testimony from individuals with lived experience of suicide
* Practical guidance for families, colleagues, and community leaders
Expert Guidance and Local Leadership
The session features a panel of local leaders and experts committed to improving wellbeing across the county. Cllr Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Health and Leisure at North Northamptonshire Council, and Cllr Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing at West Northamptonshire Council, will lead the discussion. Their involvement highlights a cross-council commitment to integrating mental health awareness into broader public services, ensuring that support is accessible through multiple municipal channels.
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday 14 May |
| Time | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Platform | Microsoft Teams |
| Admission | Free (Registration Required) |
Lived Experience and Suicide Prevention
A central component of the webinar involves the participation of Skip and Julian, two individuals sharing their personal journeys through mental health crises and suicide survival. By speaking openly about their challenges, they aim to dismantle the barriers that frequently prevent men from seeking professional help or talking to loved ones. The discussion will focus on the value of early conversations and the specific local support networks available within Northamptonshire.
The session will be recorded and uploaded to the councils’ YouTube channels for those unable to attend the live broadcast. Local organisations and community groups are encouraged to share the registration details to ensure the widest possible reach across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a specific push for men’s mental health in Northamptonshire right now?
Statistics consistently show that men are less likely to seek professional help for mental health challenges until they reach a crisis point. This initiative by North and West Northamptonshire Councils aims to break the ‘stiff upper lip’ culture by normalizing vulnerability. By focusing on early intervention during Mental Health Awareness Week, the county is working to provide a proactive safety net that reduces the long-term pressure on local emergency and healthcare services.
How do I register for the free mental health webinar on May 14?
The session takes place on Thursday, 14 May, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM via Microsoft Teams. While the event is free for all residents, registration is mandatory to receive the access link. You can sign up through the official news portals or event pages of North and West Northamptonshire Councils. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and the Teams app (or a supported web browser) ready 5 minutes before the start time.
What practical takeaways will residents and local employers get from this session?
Beyond just listening, participants will gain a toolkit for real-world support. You will hear first-hand from Skip and Julian about the nuances of suicide survival, learn how to spot ‘invisible’ warning signs in colleagues or loved ones, and discover the specific local referral pathways available in Northamptonshire. For business owners, this provides an opportunity to better understand how to integrate mental health support into the workplace culture.
Where can I find immediate mental health support in Northamptonshire if I miss the event?
If you cannot attend or need support right now, Northamptonshire offers several immediate resources. You can contact the Integrated Care Board (ICB) wellbeing services or access local peer-support groups through the council’s health and leisure departments. For urgent help, the NHS 111 service (option 2 for mental health) is available 24/7, and the Samaritans (116 123) provide a confidential space to talk for anyone in the region feeling overwhelmed.
Source: West Northamptonshire Council
/linkComments