Tyneside housing association's mental health hub looks to tackle 'vicious circle' that can lead to tragedy

A North East housing association is running a "men's health hub" to support those in a "vicious circle" and struggling with their mental health - especially those experiencing distress related to homelessness.

Tyne Housing is looking to do its bit to combat suicide data which shows the North East continues to have one of the worst rates of suicide in the country - in the region there were 14.5 suicides per 100,000 people. This is no longer the worst rate in the country, but that's only because the problem is worsening faster in the North West.

Around three-quarters of suicides are in men. The housing association has a wider Health Champions project supporting vulnerable adults in the community - and part of this has involved setting up the Men's Health Hub.

Trained staff and volunteers provide a trusted and confidential space for those in need of support - which can include first-hand advice of how things can get better from those who have been through difficulties themselves. Now 13 men regularly meet for the fortnightly sessions.

Bryan Beverley leads the hub. He said: "Those experiencing any sort of housing insecurity or homelessness, in general, have a very stressful time which can trigger and exacerbate serious mental health issues. There is a much higher rate of mental health problems amongst people without a home compared with those that have that security.

"It can become a vicious circle and one that can be very hard to navigate. Our staff and volunteers all have an in-depth and collective understanding of what this means for our residents so initiatives like the Men’s Health Hub can become the real difference between someone feeling they are able to reach out and confidentially ask for help, and sadly, those that don’t."

He said that the hub provided an ability for someone to take an "initial first step without judgement" and that this could "mean everything to someone". He added: "We have men who now come along on a weekly or monthly basis without fail, and they never would have seen themselves doing that beforehand.

"They are climbing the ladder slowly but surely, and their progress cannot be underestimated. It’s becoming a social inclusion group as well as a wellbeing and support network."

The hub holds group discussions and one-to-one support at the Joseph Cowen Health Centre in Byker - and it was established following the death of a member of the community. Those living in Tyne Housing accommodation are invited to go along on a drop-in basis when the Hub meets each fortnight.

Bryan added: “Unfortunately, there is still a perceived stigma which surrounds male mental health and while we have made great strides forward over recent years both as a country and on a community level, there is still more to do. If the Men’s Health Hub can assist just one person, and support them to recovery and independent living as an alternative to taking their own life, then our efforts have been completely worth it."