In the heart of Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, where discussions around mental health have often been limited, a groundbreaking initiative called ‘The Lads Lounge’ is breaking barriers and providing a safe haven for men to share their thoughts and concerns. In a society where safe spaces for women and ethnic minority communities are becoming increasingly common, a dedicated space for men to openly express themselves has been a rarity until now.
Every Friday evening, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, the Ravensthorpe Community Centre’s upstairs lounge transforms into ‘The Lads Lounge,’ a welcoming and inclusive environment supported by Empathy and the Hope Cafe, and endorsed by the Garden Street Community Centre. Unlike the conventional safe spaces, ‘The Lads Lounge’ aims to engage men from diverse backgrounds, fostering conversations about men’s mental health and encouraging connections among individuals.
Statistics reveal the urgency:
Recent statistics from a survey conducted by private healthcare Priory Group underscore the critical need for such initiatives. The survey revealed that a staggering 77% of men polled have suffered from common mental health symptoms such as anxiety, stress, or depression. What’s even more alarming is that 40% of these men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health struggles. The reasons for this silence are deeply rooted in societal perceptions; 29% of those who haven’t sought help admit feeling “too embarrassed” to talk about it, while 20% perceive a “negative stigma” associated with the issue.
These statistics shed light on the challenges men face when it comes to discussing their mental health. The survey also identified the primary causes of mental health issues in men’s lives: work-related stress (32%), financial pressures (31%), and concerns about health (23%). Furthermore, a concerning 40% of men stated that they would only consider seeking professional help if they were dealing with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, indicating the severity of the situation.
The Lads Lounge: A beacon of hope:
‘The Lads Lounge’ stands as a testament to the power of safe spaces, breaking the silence surrounding men’s mental health and paving the way for more open conversations in the future. Hamied Shreef, one of the joint organisers, emphasised the urgency of the matter, stating, “Our community group, Empathy, identified the pressing need for a space where men can openly discuss their issues. ‘The Lads Lounge’ serves as a club and safe space, providing opportunities for men to connect, interact, and work through their problems. We customise activities based on attendees’ interests to ensure active participation and promote mental well-being.”
In just three weeks since its inception, ‘The Lads Lounge’ has already proven its significance. Through a range of recreational activities, attendees have found solace, combating loneliness, and forging connections vital for their mental well-being. This initiative not only provides support for men struggling with mental health but also challenges the societal norms that have kept such discussions in the shadows. ‘The Lads Lounge’ offers hope, proving that through understanding, empathy, and open dialogue, men can find the help and support they need, ultimately breaking free from the chains of silence and stigma.
Speaking to Asian Standard Hamied said: “”With our work with other community groups, we have identified that men who are 20+ and middle-aged, are at the highest risk of suicide and we feel there is a need for engagement with other men to discuss and share their issues.
“We want the ‘Lad’s Lounge’ to be like a Youth club but for adults and through playing games, indoor sports and other pastimes we could combat loneliness and support each other. We aim to tailor ‘Lad’s Lounge’ with whatever activities they have interests in to promote attendance.”
Speaking about plans with the ‘Lad’s Lounge’, he added: “We would expand to other community centres that we are involved with providing there is a need.
“Mental health is a taboo subject in the Asian community, especially amongst men. With this group we aim to bring about awareness of men’s mental and physical problems and to treat them with social interaction.
“With Covid people were isolated and we hope this could be a haven where they can come and ‘chill’ with no pressure.”
