Bolton Manbassadors launches after high rates of male suicide

A project delivered by Bolton at Home is growing with an increase of ambassadors.

Bolton Manbassadors is a pilot project attempting to tackle high rates of male suicide and mental health issues by taking a different approach to reaching out to men and offering support with issues that impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

The project run by Adam Warbrick, the community development officer for Bolton at Home, aims to grow a network of local businesses acting as men's health advocates called 'Manbassadors.'

So far the project has more than five ambassadors from various businesses across the borough.

Francesca Maria Webb, from Franny and Clyde's Barbers in Farnworth, recently became a manbassador when Adam approached her in her shop.

She said: "Being there for men whether they are customers or just passers by is so important. I knew some young lads who committed suicide and it seemed fitting to offer my support when Adam came into the shop.

"I already talk to people when they are upset or need advice so it seemed fitting to help more people.

"I think it's definitely important that people talk about male mental health because it raises awareness and we can help point people in the right direction so they can access the correct support and services.

"We are part of a community which some of us lost during the pandemic but if there's one good thing that has come out of Covid is that it has drawn us all together."

The manbassadors have six vital roles as part of the project; Be an ambassador and get people talking, look out for signs and symptoms of poor mental health in male customers, having a chat with customers by simply asking how are you, handing out leaflets with vital information, displaying leaflets and posters to increase awareness and to also connect with other local SME businesses to network and share ideas.

Lee, from BodyTorq Fitness Gym in Westhoughton, is also keen to raise awareness of men's mental health.

He said: "I think it's important to get the message out there, to share my own stories and to be there for people. Anyone at the gym can come to me for a chat one-on-one and it will be 100 percent confidential.

"I think as many people as possible should get involved in the manbassadors project to help people out that need support and advice."

Many of the ambassadors have stickers and posters in their shop/gym windows that show they are a place where men can find advice if they need it.

For more information about the project or if you would like to become a manbassador contact Adam at boltonmanbassadors@boltonathome.org.uk.

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