Local mental health advocates gathered recently to discuss how to better support men who are feeling isolated, lonely or struggling to cope.
The event was organised by Hammersmith & Fulham Council and was held at the Nourish Hub centre across the road from Westfield shopping centre in Shepherds Bush.
We wanted to bring together local mental health organisations and community partners to strengthen efforts to support men and prevent suicide. It's part of our work to make H&F a stronger, safer and kinder borough.
Dr Nicola Lang, Director of Public Health for H&F Council, said: "Our vision is to make H&F a zero-suicide borough. That means making support visible, available and approachable in every corner of our community.
"By working with local partners, we're creating more spaces where men can ask for help. Every life matters and every conversation counts."
If you or someone you know is struggling, please use the contacts list for services who can offer support on our Reach out: Help is available page.
Local voices
Representatives from Andy's Man Club, The Listening Place, Men Who Talk, Turning Point and James' Place as well as local NHS professionals and charities came together on Thursday 12 June. They discussed how to share insight, build collaborations and strengthen efforts to support men who are feeling isolated, lonely or struggling to cope.
Stuart Fawcett, Regional Manager of Andy's Man Club, shared how difficult it can be for men to walk through the door for the first time. He said: "Some guys walk past the building 10 times before they come in. That first step takes real courage."
No judgment
The event highlighted the importance of creating judgement-free environments for men to speak openly.
Samuel Davis of Men Who Talk explained how his group offers online meetings on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons to make support accessible for those who may not be ready to meet in person. "It's not about therapy – it's about connection and community," he said.
With suicide rates in H&F above the London average, the need for proactive outreach is more urgent than ever.
The Listening Place (TLP), based in Shepherds Bush Road, offers free face-to-face support for people who feel like life is no longer worth living. Their team of over 850 highly trained volunteers offer active listening sessions, enabling individuals to speak frankly about their suicidal thoughts and feelings in a confidential setting. They also operate without a waiting list, contacting any referral within 24 hours and offering a first appointment within a week.
One person who used their service said: "The TLP sessions have given me a sense of purpose - they have been life savers. I'm not alone as I know TLP is there. It's like a sanctuary, I feel safe there and am not judged."
James' Place, a specialist suicide prevention charity, also brings vital experience to the borough, offering free immediate support to men in suicidal crisis in a non-clinical, home like setting.
Another key local service is Turning Point, which offers free NHS talking therapies and personalised support to residents struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and substance misuse issues. With both in-person and remote sessions available they aim to remove as many barriers to access as possible.
Neil Jones-Lumby, Senior Operations Manager at Turning Point H&F, said: "We know that men can find it hard to ask for help, but we're here when they're ready. Our team of trained therapists offer a safe space to talk, with a range of approaches tailored to individual needs. No one should feel they have to face mental health challenges alone."
Get in touch
Andy's Man Club now runs weekly meetings every Monday at 7pm at 30 Blacks Rd, Hammersmith, W6 9DT – a safe, welcoming space for men aged 18+ to talk, or simply to listen.
