To help combat loneliness in men, and to mark Men’s Health Month, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care (NHS GM) is holding an event aimed at exploring the impact of loneliness on men and practical steps to combat it.

Studies have shown that men have fewer closer friends than women – a contributing factor to loneliness. The event will look to understand why this is and discuss practical steps men can take to combat it.

‘Why Male Loneliness Matters – and we what we can do about it’ is taking place on Thursday 17 November, at 53two on Watson Street in Manchester and is free to attend.

Main speaker, Max Dickins – author of ‘Billy No-Mates: How I Realised Men Have A Friendship Problem’, will be drawing on his own experiences of struggling with friendships, covering topics such as:

  • The link between social interactions and mental and physical health
  • The causes of why men struggle to have close friendships and possible solutions
  • What we can all do to have more – and more fulfilling – friendships

The event is part of NHS Greater Manchester’s Shining a Light on Suicide campaign* which was created to prevent suicide and to bring the issue of suicide out of the dark in Greater Manchester.

Adele Owen QPM, suicide prevention and bereavement support programme manager at NHS GM, said: “Having a lack of good relationships and long-term feelings of loneliness can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health and can be a contributory factor to suicide.

“Loneliness is experienced by many people at different stages and walks of life, however, key to combatting it is being able to talk openly and having the opportunity to access support and advice – exactly what this event aims to highlight. Though the event will discuss a serious health issue, there will be some humour and an opportunity to learn how we can develop tools to improve our mental wellbeing.

“I would reassure anyone who is experiencing loneliness or struggling with mental health that there are services and support that can help them*.”

Author Max Dickins, said: “When we think of loneliness we often think of older people, but increasingly it looks like everyone: the new dad, the extrovert at work with no one to hang out with at the weekend, the newbie to town. Loneliness can affect anyone, and I hope this event will help destigmatise what can be an embarrassing subject for many men.”

*More information on mental health services, as well as advice and urgent care can be found on the NHS website – www.nhs.uk

To help combat loneliness in men, and to mark Men’s Health Month, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care (NHS GM) is holding an event aimed at exploring the impact of loneliness on men and practical steps to combat it.