Men are urged to seek help for mental health

MEN in East Lancashire who are suffering from mental health problems are being urged to seek help.

As part of Movember, the annual men’s health month, staff at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Mindsmatter Service are appealing for men who need support to get in touch.

Steven Ratcliffe, who leads the eight-week mental health programme Goal Difference, said: “Many men are reluctant to seek the help and advice they need when it comes to mental health.

“This is often due to the embarrassment and the stigma that surrounds it.

“As part of this year’s Movember campaign, we want to reassure men in East Lancashire that there are a number of groups that men can access, such as Stress Control, Stress Busters, the Chronic Pain Group and Goal Difference, which is a programme that provides a confidential place where men of all ages can get together and each week learn different skills to help improve their mental health.”

Nicola Scott, a psychotherapist with the Mindsmatter Service which operates Goal Difference, said: “We’ve had lots of positive feedback from the Goal Difference events that we’ve held in the past.

“Participants have explained to us that it has helped them become more aware of what drives their thoughts, worries, feelings and behaviours, and that staff were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

“Participants have also mentioned what a great experience it made, that it has helped them understand their problems and that they now feel better equipped to deal with these and any in the future.”

For more information about Goal Difference and other mental health support services, call 01282 657244 or visit www.lancashirecare. nhs.uk/mindsmatter.