Council highlights local support during Men’s Mental Health Week

The annual awareness week aims to encourage more open conversations about mental wellbeing and help men access support when they need it.

Men continue to experience poorer mental health outcomes and are often less likely to seek help. Locally, men are disproportionately affected by suicide, with 18 of the 25 suspected deaths by suicide recorded in Swindon in 2025 involving men.

Improving the mental health of men and boys is a key priority within Swindon's Public Mental Health Strategic Plan.

To better understand local needs, the Council's Public Health team surveyed men across the Borough in 2025. The findings highlighted low awareness of available services and strong demand for practical, community-based support designed specifically for men.

In response, the Council’s Public Health team has developed a men's mental health report and is working with partners across Swindon to deliver a coordinated action plan focused on improving access to support, strengthening community-based services and ensuring men's voices help shape future provision.

A Men’s Mental Health Summit held in April brought together health, voluntary and community sector organisations, local employers and people with lived experience to help develop a shared approach to improving men's mental health.

Support commissioned by the Council through Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind provides free and confidential wellbeing services for residents.

Alongside commissioned support, local organisations and community groups offer opportunities for connection, peer support and practical activities, including Andy's Man Club Swindon, IPSUM, A Worthy Hangout, Mental Health Motorbike, TWIGS Community Gardens and Men’s Sheds Swindon.

Councillor Vinay Manro, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: "We know that too many men feel they need to cope alone or are unsure where to turn when they need support.

"Our local work has shown there is a clear need for more accessible, practical and male-friendly support, and we are committed to working with partners across Swindon to address the barriers men face.

"I have been proud to support A Worthy Hangout in North Swindon and have seen first-hand the positive impact community-led groups can have. By creating welcoming spaces where men can connect, build friendships and take time away from the pressures of everyday life, initiatives like this play an important role in reducing isolation and encouraging open conversations about mental wellbeing.

"By listening to men in our communities and investing in local services, we want to make it easier for people to access support earlier and help create a culture where talking about mental health is normal."

Residents can find information about local mental health services on the Swindon Borough Council website.