We’re calling for South Tyneside Council to strengthen its approach to men’s mental health
South Tyneside’s Green Party is calling for stronger action on men’s mental health.
The Green Party is backing a motion at South Tyneside Council’s meeting on Thursday, January 15, that is calling for stronger action on men’s health.
The motion looks to recognise that men often experience poorer health outcomes are are less likely to access mental health support until they reach a crisis point.
As the result, the Green Party is wanting to highlight the role that local authorities can play in prevention, early intervention and community-based approaches.
The motion recognises the positive work that is already taking place in South Tyneside from the likes of the Red Bench Project and Andy’s Man Club.
It also calls on Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, to write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to urge the Government to strengthen its approach to men’s health screening and early intervention as part of the emerging national strategy.
Speaking ahead of the full Council meeting, Cllr Sue Stonehouse, who proposed the motion, said: “Men are still dying younger, and too often they only reach services when things have already gone badly wrong.
“This motion is about prevention and making sure men are supported earlier, in ways that actually work.
“We already know that community-based, low-barrier approaches can make a real difference, and South Tyneside has some strong local examples to build on.”
Cllr David Francis, the former leader of the South Tyneside Green Party, has highlighted that improving men’s mental health will have multiple benefits for the borough.
He added: “This is about using the evidence we already have and making sure men’s health is properly considered in how services are designed and reviewed.
“Improving men’s health outcomes benefits individuals, families and communities across the borough.”