Stepladder is an Open Mental Health project run by Second Step that aims to reduce the stigma that men feel when talking about or asking for help with their mental health, by ensuring they know where to go in Somerset for wellbeing support when they need it. Stepladder works with communities, groups and organisations across Somerset to find new ways for men to connect, support each other and get help when they need it.

Stepladder was set up for all men in Somerset and aims to reduce the number of men who take their own life. They work with communities, groups and organisations to find ways men can connect, support each other and get help. There are a number of local groups to get involved with across the Bridgwater, Taunton, Yeovil and Street areas.

Unbreakable Men is an Open Mental Health project that aims to raise awareness around Men’s Mental Health in Somerset and actively encourage Men to take ownership over their mental wellness, whilst positively impacting their mental and physical wellbeing through physical activity. This is done in a simple and practical ways with both online and face to face physical activities.

They offer a Mental Health MOT Quiz, an App and also run regular events around Somerset. The Unbreakable Men MOT Quiz aims to encourage men to be proactive about checking in with their current mental well-being, by answering a series of point-based questions which result in a score indicator of where you may benefit from some mental health support.

Farmerados is an Open Mental Health project based on the principles of Camerados, a global social movement, Farmerados is aimed specifically at farmers and run by volunteers who understand agricultural life and know how tough it can be at times. Many farmers are struggling in silence with devastating consequences, but Farmerados believe that a conversation can have a big impact on somebody’s day by helping farmers to realise they are not alone and that sharing their worrisome load can really take some weight off.

Our farmers are the backbone of the country, diligently working away at all hours and in all weathers to provide the food many take for granted and with little to no time for themselves. Yet they are so often overlooked when it comes to well-being and mental health. As pressures on farming families continue to rise, who is looking out for them?

Further Resources

Somerset Men’s Sheds

Men’s Sheds aim to promote Health and well-being in the community by reducing the feeling of loneliness and isolation encountered, especially by older people. See a list of Mens Shed’s in Somerset

Men’s Mental Health Resources

Below are some useful resources that provide more information about and more insight in to men’s mental health.

Films and Videos

• Under the Soil on Amazon takes an unyielding look at the current mental health crisis in British Agriculture.
• Our Silent Emergency documentary. Roman Kemp explores the mental health and suicide crisis affecting young men
• The Full Treatment (6 part series). Developed with CALM, Celebrities talk about their mental wellbeing.

For more resources, initiatives and activities for men in Somerset please visit the Second Step website.

Need to talk?

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing difficulties with their mental health, we are here to help. Open Mental Health offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that adults living in Somerset and struggling with poor mental health can access the right support at the right time.

If you need to speak to someone please contact our team at Mindline Somerset any time of the day, any day of the week locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.

Mindline Live Web Chat is available every day from 8pm-11pm.