Booklet launched during Mental Health Awareness Week
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A New booklet aimed at supporting men’s mental heath has been launched during Mental Health Awareness Week.
The booklet brings together clear, practical guidance and information on local mental health, physical health and wellbeing services. It has been developed by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, the city and county councils’ public health teams, clinicians and local men’s community groups.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May 2026), a UK-wide awareness-raising week run by the Mental Health Foundation.
Dr Mark McConnochie, crisis consultant and clinical director for urgent care services at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Looking after our mental health and supporting one another is incredibly important, and people need to know that help is available when it’s needed. While attitudes towards mental health are changing, many men still find it difficult to ask for support. This new booklet is about making that first step easier by clearly showing what’s available locally and how to access it. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
“Despite growing awareness, more than one in 10 men in the UK live with a mental health disorder. Men continue to have the highest rates of substance use and are at the greatest risk of suicide, while also being the least likely to seek help. This booklet aims to address these challenges by normalising conversations about mental health and reducing barriers to support.”
The booklet has been developed with help and insight from local men’s groups to make sure it reflects real needs and experiences. Geoff Hughes from Circulus for men and Lee Jobber from The Modern Men Movement are both passionate champions of men’s health and wellbeing, and helped to shape the booklet.
Geoff said: “The booklet reflects the kind of real, honest conversations we share with men every week that are grounded, practical, and without ambiguity. For us, it’s always been about creating spaces where men feel able to talk, be heard, and access support in a way that feels natural and accessible.
Lee added: “Knowing what support is out there, and feeling empowered about using it, can make a real difference. We’re especially pleased to see something that’s been created with men, not just for them. That’s where meaningful change really begins.”
Mental Health Awareness Week this year focuses on the theme of ‘taking action’. Across the week the NHS, council public health teams, charities and community organisations are encouraging people to take small but meaningful steps to support good mental health, individually and within their communities.
Rob Howard, director of public health at Leicester City Council, said: “This booklet has been shaped by local men and the communities around them. By working alongside NHS teams and community groups, we’ve helped create something that feels practical, relatable and rooted in real experiences, making it easier for men to find support close to home.”
Mike Sandys, director of public health at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We know men want information that is straightforward and practical. This booklet brings local mental health support into one place and supports earlier conversations. Developed in partnership with local men’s groups and NHS teams, it has been shaped by real experiences and designed to offer practical, accessible support”.
The booklet can be downloaded online here. Information on local activities taking place for Mental Health Awareness Week is at leicspart.nhs.uk/mhaw-2026/
Leicester City Council News Published on Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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