Bringing communities together for men’s mental health

Access Wellbeing marked International Men’s Day and Movember 2025 with a series of successful men’s mental health events across Dorset, creating safe, supportive spaces for men to talk openly, connect with others, and access vital information.

The events – held in Weymouth, Poole and Sturminster Newton – brought together various local organisations including Men’s Sheds, Andy’s Man Club, The Veterans Hub, Dorset Mental Health Forum, Weymouth Dry Dock, NHS Start, Fight Back Mental Health, and Pegasus Men’s Wellbeing Centre.

With suicide remaining the leading cause of death for men under 50, and many still feeling unable to seek help due to stigma, these events offered a crucial opportunity to break down barriers and encourage conversations.

Members of the Poole team were on-hand to welcome people to their event.

In Weymouth, a men-only drop-in brought together local organisations and wellbeing coordinators who offered informal chats, signposting, and a listening ear in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

The Poole hub hosted a men’s mental health information day, inviting people to explore what keeps them well and meet groups and services offering practical support, activities, and one-to-one help.

Meanwhile, in Sturminster Newton, a community lunch fostered meaningful conversations about how local partners can continue supporting men in need, with contributions from the local Men’s Shed and the Access Wellbeing team.

Thanks to everyone who attended, volunteered, and shared their stories. Together, we helped strengthen connections, spark important conversations, and continue the mission — championed by International Men’s Day and Movember — to ensure no man has to struggle in silence.

Tools to support wellbeing

Men attending the drop-in event in Weymouth were invited to share the tools they use to support their wellbeing and mental health:

• Exercise and routine
• Finding the courage to talk about my mental health
• Connecting with services that are there when you are ready to talk
• Knowing when to use my support network
• Being kind to myself
• Please talk about it
• Don’t have to take it on the chin
• Its okay not to be okay
• Talk about it
• This too shall pass
• Connect with services local to you, such as The Lantern Trust, Hope House, Steps2Wellbeing, Dorset Mind, Christians Against Poverty, Weymouth Baptist Church, Outreach Programs, Community networking groups.
• Speak to my partner, friends and family
• Spend time with my cat
• Yoga
• Skateboarding
• Airsoft
• Creative Arts
• I like to take time to think about nothing, to clear my head, going to the cinema is a great way to do this
• Don’t rush things
• Camera
• Reach out to a friend for a chat
• Connecting with a friend
• Chatting to help the homeless local service

Men’s mental health videos

We invited staff, colleagues and local residents to share more about what mental health means to them, and how they look after their mental health.