How we are helping
The Mental Health Foundation is pioneering a new project to reach out to older men
By recruiting the people they already come into contact with – local ‘champions’ such as pub landlords, newsagents and café staff.
One newsagent told us:
‘’We get men who come in, and when you talk to them you realise that you’re the only person they’ll have a conversation with all day. They have amazing life stories, but no-one to share them with.
There's one man, always wears his best clothes and war medals, who will show me his bird watching photos beacause he has no-one else to show them to. You know they're lonely, and you’d like to do more to help, but you don’t know how.’’
Our project will show people like the newsagent how they can help, by spotting vulnerable old men and linking them up with local activities such as walking groups, gardening projects and pub quiz teams.
By encouraging older men to stay active, develop relationships and engage with their communities, we can reduce the toll of depression on older men, making them feel valued and supported. The impact on their lives could be immense.
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