At LiveWest, we champion wellbeing for our customers, colleagues and communities. It’s about building stronger, healthier lives together.
Recent UK data shows that 50% of men have struggled with their mental health at some point, but less than half seek professional advice. Men also make up around three quarters of all suicides in England and Wales, making men’s mental health an urgent concern.
This year, the official theme for International Men’s Day, set by the Dads4Kids Fatherhood Foundation, is Celebrating Men and Boys.
The theme is built around six core pillars:
- Promoting positive male role models
- Celebrating men’s contributions to family, community and the environment
- Focusing on men’s health and wellbeing: social, emotional, physical and spiritual
- Raising awareness of discrimination against men in social services, attitudes and expectations
- Improving gender relations and advancing gender equity
- Creating a safer, better world where everyone can reach their full potential
At LiveWest, we believe that by aligning our efforts with these pillars, we can play our part in building inclusive, supportive communities.
What are LiveWest doing to support men’s mental health?
Colleague wellbeing events
Throughout November, we’re holding events for our colleagues led by our wellbeing champions and trained mental health first aiders. Colleagues are invited for a “cuppa and chat” as part of our Men’s Health campaign, creating a friendly space to talk, listen and support one another.
Colleague Lunch and Learn session on International Men's Day
We’re also running a 'Lunch and Learn' session focused on men’s mental health. It will cover topics such as recognising signs, encouraging help-seeking behaviour and reducing stigma.
These initiatives help embed our commitment to wellbeing across LiveWest, ensuring our teams feel supported so they can, in turn, support our customers and communities.
Supporting you
To support men’s mental health beyond our own programmes, here are some trusted organisations offering free help and advice:
- Free Men’s Mental Health Course - Learn more about mental health in men.
- The Lighthouse Charity – Free 24/7 support for those in the UK and Ireland’s construction community.
- Man Down Cornwall – Informal, safe and relaxed sessions for men aged 18+ who are struggling with their mental health.
- Andy’s Man Club – Nationwide talking groups for men who are, have been, or may be going through tough times.
- Talk Club – A UK charity helping men improve their “mental fitness” through regular talking groups that start by asking, “How are you? Out of 10?”
We encourage anyone - colleagues, customers or community members - who might benefit to explore these resources. Help is available, and no one needs to face things alone.
Building a positive culture together
Men’s mental health is not just an individual issue, it’s a community one. At LiveWest, by supporting our colleagues, engaging our communities and raising awareness, we’re helping to remove stigma, encourage open conversations and build a culture where everyone feels able to reach their full potential.
If you’re a customer or community member and want to find out more about the support available through LiveWest or local partners, please contact our Customer Service team.
Together, let’s celebrate men and boys, recognise their contributions and make sure everyone has access to the support they deserve.