Men’s mental health drop-ins for International Men’s Day
Access Wellbeing is marking International Men’s Day 2025 on 19 November with special events around Dorset to promote men’s mental health, including a men-only drop-in at St Mary Street, Weymouth, a men’s mental health information day at the Access Wellbeing hub in The Dolphin, Poole, and a men’s lunch at The Vale Pantry in Sturminster Newton.
Heartbreakingly, suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 50 but according to recent research, men are less likely to access mental health support than women, with fewer than half saying they would seek medical advice for their mental health struggles owing to the stigma surrounding it.*
Weymouth men-only drop-in event
When: Wednesday 19 November 10am-2pm
Where: Community Front Room, 56 St Mary Street, Weymouth, DT4 8PP
Who: Open to all local men aged 18 and over
About the event: The men-only drop-in will offer an opportunity to learn more local support in a relaxed, informal setting, and Access Wellbeing’s team of wellbeing coordinators will also be on-hand to chat to anyone who needs a listening ear. Hosted by The Lantern Trust, which manages Access Wellbeing services in Weymouth and Portland, the event will also bring together local organisations including Andy’s Man Club, The Veterans Hub, Dorset Mental Health Forum, Fight Back Mental Health, NHS START and Weymouth Dry Dock. Hot drinks and snacks will also be available, and guests will be able to contribute to a special mental health ‘toolbox’ display.
Poole men’s mental health information event
When: Wednesday 19 November 10am-4pm
Where: Access Wellbeing Poole Hub, The Dolphin, Poole, BH15 1SZ
Who: Open to all local people (men and women) aged 18 and over
About the event: An open event encouraging men to come into the hub and chat to a wellbeing coordinator about what keeps them well and what matters to them. The event will also include signposting and information on organisations that provide group and 1:1 support, as well as activities and practical help.
North Dorset men’s lunch
When: Wednesday 19 November 1-2.30pm
Where: The Vale Pantry, Butts Lane Estate, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1AZ
Who: Professionals and members of the public
About the event: Colleagues and clients from the local Men’s Shed will be joining the Access Wellbeing North Dorset team to talk about support for local men and chat about how we can continue support anyone in the community who needs it. Members of the public are welcome to drop in for coffee or come for lunch from the Vale Cafe.
Discussing the importance of men’s mental health support, Mike Graham, CEO of The Lantern Trust, explained: “There is so much fantastic mental health support available in our local communities but too often, men stay silent when they’re struggling. These events are about starting those conversations and letting people know that there’s always someone ready to listen. By bringing local services together, we hope to make it easier for men to take that first step and reach out for a bit of help if they need it.”
Phil, who received support from Access Wellbeing earlier this year, shared how the service has helped him open up to his male friends: “A lot of my friends… they don’t talk about their feelings. I started to open up more to one of my friends who, equally, didn’t realise that they were struggling. Through being more positive about my own mental health, and being able to share my experience, it actually allowed my friends to talk to me.”
*Bupa Wellbeing Index 2025 – Lifting The Lid On Men’s Health: https://www.bupa.co.uk/~/media/Files/MMS/MMS-hosting/bins-18325.pdf
