A charity dedicated to supporting mental health in Gloucestershire has sounded the alarm, highlighting that a significant number of boys in the area are silently battling mental health challenges.
TIC+, a Mitcheldean-based organization, has provided assistance and counseling to nearly 4,000 individuals, but it reports that only 30% of those seeking help are male.
The charity emphasizes that the services it offers could mean the difference between life and death for some individuals. To address the issue, TIC+ has launched the Levelling Up Together initiative in collaboration with Gloucestershire County Council. This initiative aims to reach out to boys aged nine to 25 in some of the region’s most disadvantaged areas.
Under the Levelling Up Together initiative, TIC+ plans to implement an outreach and engagement program. This effort includes the Boys in Mind project, which targets specific neighborhoods such as Barton & Tredworth, Kingsholm & Wotton, Podsmead, Tuffley, Westgate, and Cinderford.
Kerryann, TIC+ Youth Outreach and Engagement Officer, emphasized the importance of breaking the silence surrounding mental health issues among boys. She expressed concern over potential barriers preventing young men from seeking help, such as stigma or lack of awareness about available services. TIC+ aims to bridge this gap by leveraging technology to provide accessible support, including online counseling and text messaging services.
The charity’s efforts come amidst growing concerns about the mental health of young people, particularly regarding their use of social media. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has faced criticism for allegedly downplaying the negative impacts of social media on mental health. TIC+ acknowledges the range of issues affecting young men, including anxiety, depression, isolation, and gang-related issues, and stresses the importance of timely intervention.
Through the Boys in Mind project, TIC+ seeks to raise awareness of mental health issues, ensure young males are aware of available support, and encourage them to seek help early on. The ultimate goal is to improve mental health provision across disadvantaged areas, prevent worsening mental wellbeing, and reduce instances of self-harm and suicidal thoughts among young men.