People from across the region are being invited to learn more about men’s mental health at a free conference to be held in Ipswich this summer.
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) has announced it will be hosting a men’s wellbeing and mental health awareness conference at Trinity Park on July 13 – designed to educate people on the issue and tackle stigma in society.
The conference, which is open to anyone with an interest in men’s mental health, will feature experts such as Dr Roger Kingerlee, NSFT clinical psychologist, and Dr John Barry, one of the founders of the Male Psychology Network.
It will also feature a range of inspirational speakers with personal experience of mental ill health, including Richard Gorrod, an NSFT Service User Governor who has battled depression, and Neil Davies from the Recovery College.
In addition, the event will host discussions on tackling suicide, mental health from an LGBT perspective, and how to engage men in mental healthcare.
Gabriel Abotsie, Men’s Wellbeing Nursing Lead with NSFT, said: “We have organised this special event as part of our ongoing drive to improve men’s access to mental healthcare, challenge stereotypes and encourage men to ask for help when they need it.
“We have invited a range of inspirational speakers to come along and talk about their own experiences, while a variety of different partner organisations will also be on hand to talk about their work and the range of support they offer.
“The day is open to anyone with an interest in men’s mental health, including service users, carers, relatives, supporters, partners and mental health staff.
“We hope that as many people as possible will come along and get talking about mental health so that we can continue to reduce stigma while encouraging more men to develop strategies to help them cope during times of distress.”
The news comes at the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week, organised by the Mental Health Foundation, which is running from Monday, May 14 until Sunday, May 20.
The event will take place between 9.30am and 4pm on Friday, July 13. Tickets can be booked for free online at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KBSBPP2.
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