Its OK not to be OK

MEN in Barrow are being urged to drop the macho image - and start being open about their problems.

The weekly meeting of The Rotary Club of Furness was given some frightening statistics about male suicides in the area.
Deborah Henry, a Health and Wellbeing Coach, said there were four cases in Barrow alone over the Christmas period.
It was her determination to help address mental health issues that was instrumental in the formation of the Barrow Men's Group in 2018. It became a non-profit making charity last September to enable grant applications.
Deborah said the aim was to provide a safe and confidential space for men to talk about health issues.
Rotarians heard that Barrow was one of the most deprived areas in the country with life expectancy for men 13 years lower than the national average.
There were 5,821 suicides in Great Britain in 2017 with  75 percent of them men and Lancs and South Cumbria near the top of the list. Suicide is the largest cause of death among men under 50 and it is estimated that one in four experience poor mental health at any one time. Only one in four of these feel able to talk or access 'Talking Therapy' provided under the health service.
Deborah said the mental health issues often led to misuse of drugs or alcohol.
Risk factors to look out for include: economic hardship; bereavement; unemployment; relationships; social isolation; war service; and sexual orientation.

The Barrow Men's Group aims to combat this with peer-to-peer support, social networking, an online digital platform, website to access information and walking groups. There are also links to other local mental health and recovery services.
Deborah added that current campaigns include the theme that 'Every life matters'.
The Support Group Drop-In for over18s is now at the Griffin Community Centre on Monday evenings with funding for the next year.
A vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Lawrence Searle, who gleaned that an Ulverston group had set up in the wake of the Barrow initiative.
* Members held a minute's silence for Past President Rory McClure - a former   Mayor of Barrow - who sadly passed away over the New Year, aged 57.