Walsall Council is supporting the Men’s Wellbeing Alliance as it marks Men’s Health Week with a borough-wide call for men to access support early and for local communities to play an active role in improving men’s health and wellbeing.
The Men’s Wellbeing Alliance, a growing grassroots collaboration between community groups and organisations across Walsall, is leading the way in building a more connected, accessible and preventative approach to men’s wellbeing.
Working alongside the Alliance, the Council is helping to strengthen partnerships, amplify local support and ensure services are reaching men where they are, before issues reach crisis point. This partnership approach is aligned with the Men’s Health Strategy for England, published last November.
Men’s Health Week is a national opportunity to raise awareness of the health challenges affecting men and boys, encourage open conversations, and promote early access to support.
The Alliance has already begun building a movement for men’s wellbeing in Walsall, engaging men in everyday settings such as workplaces, sports venues, community and faith settings and local events.
This includes outreach with men who may be less likely to access formal services, the development of a network of local men’s wellbeing ambassadors and forums and consultation activity shaped by men’s voices, alongside strong partnership working across the voluntary, community, statutory, sporting and private sectors.
The Alliance has also developed an online directory and website, with 14 organisations already involved, providing information, signposting and local connections.
A programme has also been established to support men’s wellbeing activities across the borough through small grants.
Walsall Council is working closely with partners to support the Alliance’s ambitions, helping to connect services, promote resources and embed prevention-focused approaches to health and wellbeing.
Councillor Matt Eason, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council said: “Men’s wellbeing is important and the work of the Men’s Wellbeing Alliance is helping to reach men earlier and in ways that feel accessible and relevant to them.
“By working alongside our community partners, we are helping to create a culture where conversations about mental and physical health are normal, support is easy to find and no one feels they have to struggle alone.
“Men’s Health Week is an important reminder that we all have a role to play, whether that’s checking in on a friend, starting a conversation, or accessing the support available across Walsall.”
Nike Morris from The MindKind Projects on behalf of the Men’s Wellbeing Alliance said: “We are using Men’s Health Week to raise awareness of the amazing work going on in Walsall to support men.
"Look out for our stickers and flyers that will be distributed across Walsall where men are. This will include a link to our website that has details on some really impactful activities and groups that could change lives. We encourage people to attend, share with a friend and reach out.
“A connected Walsall where every man can access timely, appropriate emotional wellbeing support through a strong, collaborative and sustainable network of services.”
During Men’s Health Week, the Alliance is encouraging men to speak to someone they trust, check in on their health, and seek support early.
Friends and family are also encouraged to start gentle, non-judgemental conversations with the men in their lives, while businesses and workplaces are being asked to create space for men’s wellbeing conversations and signposting.
Residents are encouraged to consider becoming men’s wellbeing ambassadors, while community organisations are invited to join the Alliance and widen local support.
The Alliance is also encouraging partner organisations and professionals to work together to improve access and reduce stigma.
To find out more and get involved in the Men’s Wellbeing Alliance, visit menswellbeingalliance.com.
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