ONE of Cornwall’s biggest mental health organisations has praised the ‘dedication’ of its team as they celebrate its fifth anniversary.
Man Down was founded in October 2018 and this week celebrates its fifth year of helping to reduce the number of men and boys taking their own lives in Cornwall.
The not-for-profit Community Interest Company hosts regular fortnightly meetings across Cornwall and organise events and challenge which raises awareness of the group and help bring men together to help each other work through their issues and concerns.
On Thursday (October 26) Man Down shared a post on Facebook saying they were “proud” of the whole team for their ‘dedication’ and ‘commitment’. The post reads: “We are so proud of the whole team for all their commitment and dedication they have put into the organisation, without them we would not be able to be so successful in helping to support thousands of men.”
According to Man Down, Cornwall has the third largest suicide rate in the country, and 75 per cent of all suicides are male.
With this in mind, Man Down want to encourage men in Cornwall to talk about how they are feeling in a ‘safe and non-judgemental environment.
A spokesperson said: “We’ve created a safe, non-judgmental environment throughout Cornwall for men to come and talk or listen, with the hope of ending the shame and stigma that is still attached to men’s mental illness.
“We connect through experiences and provide each other with the empathy and compassion needed to break down those barriers society has created over the years.”
Dan Lilley from Helston noticed many of his male friends were struggling with mental health, which opened his eyes to the massive impact the restriction had on people’s mental health.
Dan told the Packet why he decided to raise money for Man Down by climbing some of the biggest mountains across the world in 2022. Dan said: “People say I’m brave for climbing the mountains.
“But the people who are brave are the guys asking for help.
“Man Down does such an amazing job for Cornwall and I am proud that I have been able to help with increasing awareness in a small way with climbing.”
For more information on Man Down and the support they provide, visit https://www.mandown-cornwall.co.uk/
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