Mental Health Support for Men across the County

Kent Community Foundation has been supporting mental health charities for over 20 years. They recently received news which prompted them to shout about the help that is available across the county.

GTown Talents, an organisation that Kent Community Foundation supports, recently shared the tragic news that Tashan one of the lead actors in a production that was funded through the Foundation, had taken his own life.

Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive, Kent Community Foundation, said,

“The suicide rate for men in England and Wales in 2019 was the highest for two decades and men accounted for about three-quarters of suicide deaths registered in 2019. When GTown Talents told us the devastating news about Tashan, who had performed in one of their projects about mental health, we immediately knew that we wanted to highlight that help is available across the county for any men who are struggling with their mental health and need some support.

“Over the last 20 years Kent Community Foundation has awarded grants to many organisations who can provide support for men who are struggling with their mental health and we would encourage anyone who needs help to seek it.”

Dads Unlimited, based in Ashford supports the well-being of Dads through family breakdown by mentoring them, helping them to achieve a positive co-parenting relationship, reducing parental conflict; and helping prevent male suicide across the county.

The Octopus Foundation aims to improve social inclusion and wellbeing. Based in Chatham they run an independent ‘Shed Wellbeing Project’ aimed at older retired men, many of whom are ex-servicemen, and are developing a project for younger men who need support with their mental health.

Kent Coast Volunteering run the Paddlesworth Court Farm Men’s Shed which provides a space for craftwork and social interaction. The Folkestone Shed currently welcomes five men (or Shedders) each day to enjoy the camaraderie of building things and being with their friends and from the 21st of June will be able to welcome more Shedders back to the fold.

Jimmy and Vybz, GTown Talents, said, “After losing Tashan, mental health and depression amongst young men in a Kent is our priority now. Whatever your circumstances there are many ways to overcome feelings of sadness and despair. The music and drama and positive activities at GTown Talents helped Tashan with a sense of purpose and belonging in the community and really boosted his mood and energy for hours. The sad loss of our good friend made us realise the challenges we face with negative thinking amongst many young men in Kent and we would encourage anyone to ask for support and seek professional help.”

If you need support for your mental health, please do seek help, and if you are a charitable organisation needing financial support visit our funding page.