High Sheriff of West Sussex to initiate countywide initiative supporting men’s mental health

Dr Tim Fooks, High Sheriff of West Sussex, met recently with the men’s mental health support charity, MenWalkTalk, to find out more about what the charity does to support men with these challenges.

The High Sheriff met with members of the MenWalkTalk team but also had a chance to meet some of the men the charity helps when he joined the Littlehampton group for a walk along the seafront. He heard from group members how mental health had affected them from their work but also situations that resulted in post-traumatic stress syndrome and life events such as bereavement.

Mark Edmondson, group leader for the Littlehampton group summed up what the charity means to the guys; “What we do is very simple, we are a group of men who meet up for a walk and a chat. That’s it in a nutshell really! What we aim to create is a safe space where men can talk about their issues if they want to, knowing that others will listen and support them.”

“I enjoyed meeting the Littlehampton guys very much.”, said Dr Fooks, “There was a strong sense of camaraderie and a good bit of banter that created a very welcoming atmosphere. It was great to see and hear men talking freely about life’s challenges as well as everything else.”

During a chat over coffee the High Sheriff discussed his plans to bring together, in the Autumn, different charities supporting men’s mental health in the county together with NHS and other linked services, to see how a collaborative approach could enhance what they all do. Each charity has a unique approach and value but sharing ideas, signposting men to the right treatment options and working towards a common goal is the objective for Dr Fooks’ initiative.

“There are a number of groups and charities in West Sussex that support men’s mental health but my position as a High Sherrif gives me the opportunity to bring these groups together to see how together we can become stronger.”, said Dr Fooks.

Matt Pollard, founder of MenWalkTalk back in 2021 commented, “MenWalkTalk started in Littlehampton four years ago and now we have over 25 groups throughout the country but our spiritual home is here is Sussex.”

“Having Tim join us today has been a great event for us. Our Littlehampton group members enjoyed the opportunity to tell their stories and how the walking group has helped them to manage their mental health issues,” Matt added.

Mental health issues continue to affect many people in all walks of life; for example, the cost of poor mental health in the UK workforce is estimated at over £50 billion per year. Charities such as MenWalkTalk provide a vital support system for men affected. The hope is that combining efforts with other mental health charities can help more men in Sussex.