Men's Mental Health Awareness Month: New 'Pit Stop' support group launches on 3 November
A brand-new mental health support group for male colleagues across Derbyshire will be launched this week as UHDB marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month in November.
The new group, called ‘Pit Stop’, will meet for the first time on Thursday 3 November and will be accessible for healthcare colleagues across Joined Up Care Derbyshire (JUCD). The programme will provide a safe space for men to socialise, share support and unload to get themselves ‘back on the road’.
Alex Flak, Health Improvement Advisor for the JUCD Wellbeing Team, said: “The stigma around men’s mental health is still there, and men need to understand that you don’t need to be alone in the world. It is still a big issue, and we see it more and more in men which is why we decided to launch Pit Stop.
“We want to provide a space for like-minded men to relax and share a community. We want to provide that space and allow people the time to just slow down.
“The support is here if men need it, and we have our hubs in the Wellbeing Hub should one-to-one support be needed, but we just want to reassure men that this is an open, safe and inclusive space.”
The sessions will focus on enjoying fun activities and shared interests, encouraging colleagues to connect in an open, safe space.
Computer games, board games, card games and more will be on offer to allow men to get things off their mind and help each other in a more relaxed environment.
James Buckley, Head of Wellbeing and Workforce Health Services for JUCD, said: “Everyone should have access to support – whether going through a tough time, or in preparation for one that might lie ahead.
Across JUCD, we have a number of easily accessible, confidential services for talking support, peer psychological sessions, listening events, reflective practice support, and an activity timetable that consists of over 120 support sessions each month. However, typically speaking, these sessions are rarely attended by male colleagues, and I’d implore all our colleagues to reach out for support when they need it.
“Statistically we know that men specifically report lower levels of life satisfaction, are half as likely to attend talking therapies, and three times as many men as women die from suicide -with significantly more being likely to turn to harmful coping mechanisms and substance abuse. And sadly, a proportion of our colleagues will be representative of this.
“This November focus month gives us an opportunity to reflect on this, and work together to do something about it!”
Each November, men across the UK are encouraged to grow a moustache to take part in Movember, raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health, including shining a light onto mental health and suicide prevention, as well as highlighting physical health concerns including both prostate and testicular cancer.
You can access the Movember campaign website here (opens in new window) >
Colleagues who wish to join the Pit Stop sessions can do so in person at the Wellbeing Hub at Royal Derby Hospital at 5pm.
Following the initial launch session, the Pit Stop groups will run virtually every Monday from 5pm – 6pm and on Thursdays, both in person in RDH’s Wellbeing Hub and virtually, from 5pm – 6pm
Colleagues who wish to find out more information about Pit Stop and the wider Wellbeing offering, please email: uhdb.gethealthystayhealthy@nhs.net.