What is #MandownSolent about?
#MandownSolent, a campaign brought to you by your Union President, focuses on combating the stigma surrounding men's mental health and spreading the message that it's okay to talk about your emotions. The campaign promotes those who identify as male as being able to talk about their emotions without feeling like they need to 'man-up' to societies standards. A important part of the discussion surrouding the campaign is talking about the different ways everyone expresses and manages their emotions.
What are the aims of the campaign?
There are several aims of for the #MandownSolent campaign, these include:
- Helping identifying-male students and staff gain new skills, by learning new coping strategies, which can help them feel more confident expressing and talking about their emotions.
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Implementing a monthly event as part of the SU events calendar to help promote positive mental health for men, creating a space for students to feel safe and comfortable discussing issues surrounding mental health.
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Bringing awareness to the stigma surrounding issues regarding men's mental health, and creating a safe and comfortable enviroment for students to discuss issues surrounding men's mental health.
Men and mental health
Society has created the expectation that men are expected to be strong, dominant and in control - the alpha male. These expectations have made it harder for many men to feel able to reach for help, which has meant many are less likey to discuss or ask for help about their mental health.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the suicice rate for higher education studens bettwen 2017 and 2020 were significantly higher in male-identifying students (5.6 deaths per 100,000 students) compared with female-identifying students (2.5 deaths per 100,000 students).
Men are also more likely to participate in harmful and dangerous coping methods, such as drugs and/or alcohol. As well as this, men are less likely to talk to family and friends.
How can you get invovled?
Solent SU is calling all students and staff to get invovled and tell us about their mental health journey! If you fancy getting invovled, share the ways you have found helps you manage your wellbeing.
Students and staff can use the hashtag #ManDownSolent on socials to share their feelings and emotions. We hope by encouraging others to share their experience, we can create a community where men can discuss and seek support.
SU Presents
SU presents was a successful live music event hosted by Winston, which gave students the opportunity to express their emotions through music. The event showcased music from different groups and individuals, including Emilia Heritage, Winston + Dani, Belle Dame, and The Impromptus
Charities
Movember
MATES
Men's Minds Matters
Events in the community
NHS Solent - Men's Health & Wellbeing Event 2023
Location: Hoglands Park, Southampton, SO14 1NH
Date & Time: 30th September, 11am-4pm
Join NHS Solent for a free event featuring football and cricket, while learning about health and wellbeing services avaliable to men in your area. All are welcome!
For more information, email CEET@solent.nhs.uk