A new men’s mental health booklet is being launched on Thursday 14 May during Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May 2026), marking a significant step in supporting men across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to access the help they need.
Developed through collaboration between Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, the city and county’s Public Health teams, clinicians and local men’s community groups; the new men’s mental health booklet brings together clear, practical guidance and signposting to local mental health, physical health and wellbeing services. The resource is designed to feel accessible relevant and grounded in the real experiences of men in the local community.
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 toward 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 the range of support that’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 ten 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, who were involved in the development of the booklet said:
“As we are both passionate champions of men’s health and wellbeing, we’re genuinely grateful to have played a part in shaping this booklet. It reflects the kind of real, honest conversations we share with men every week that are grounded, practical, and without the 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. 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.”
The launch of the booklet forms part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year focuses on the theme of ‘Taking Action’. Across the week, NHS, Public Health and VCSE partners 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 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 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”.
There is a full programme of events taking place across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Please view the dedicated webpage highlighting events, resources and ways for people to get involved.