Breaking Down Barriers: Supporting Men's Mental Health in Our Care Homes
In our homes, working with male young people presents unique challenges when it comes to mental health. Unlike our general approach to mental well-being, which applies across the board, this work involves tackling the specific stigmas and barriers that often prevent boys and young men from talking about their struggles. This isn’t just about care; it’s about creating a safe space where they can open up.
The Reality of Overburdened Mental Health Services
Accessing professional mental health support is, unfortunately, no easy task. Services like CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) often have waiting lists that can stretch up to two years. Faced with these long waits, many young people feel they have to "get worse" to get seen sooner. The situation isn’t much better for adults, where free mental health support is generally limited to brief counselling sessions or crisis hotlines.
In our care homes, we’re acutely aware of the weight this places on young people, especially those who have already faced trauma. Many lack access to resources due to being in alternative educational settings that focus on academics over PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education), leaving them without even the basics of emotional health education.
Building a Safe Space: The Power of Early Intervention
We aim to detect the early signs of mental health issues by building strong, trust-based relationships with each young person. By showing a genuine interest in their lives, we create an environment where they feel safe enough to talk about what's really going on. This approach is proactive, focusing on fostering open conversations before any struggles grow into crises.
We’re fortunate to have a dedicated therapy team that can provide direct support within our homes. However, funding for this additional therapy requires approval and often leads to back-and-forth discussions with Local Authorities. This highlights a broader challenge: without adequate funding, access to mental health support can become yet another barrier, creating frustration for the young people we work with.
Social Media’s Influence: The Pressure to Measure Up
Our young people live in a world where social media significantly impacts self-esteem. Max, one of our Team Members, shares insights on how constant exposure to idealised images and "likes" affects young people’s self-image. For those still forming their identity, it can be especially damaging to face the pressure of appearing perfect. Social media often distorts reality, presenting an unrealistic standard of living that can make even the most confident individuals feel inadequate.
These pressures weigh heavily on mental health, reinforcing stereotypes and setting unattainable standards. Recognising this, we make it a point to engage in honest conversations with our young people about the contrast between social media and real life, helping them build resilience against these influences.
Breaking the Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health
Traditional stereotypes of masculinity often label emotions as weakness, which stops many boys and young men from talking about their mental health struggles. Max believes that by addressing these stigmas head-on, we can help young men redefine what it means to be strong. Vulnerability should be seen as a strength, a key step toward mental wellness rather than a sign of failure.
By fostering open discussions, we encourage our young people to challenge these stereotypes. We emphasise that mental health is a daily practice—not a one-time fix—and encourage them to build routines that support their well-being, whether through hobbies, friendships, or simply talking openly.
Self-Care and Community: Building a Supportive Network
Taking care of mental health isn’t easy, and it doesn’t happen in isolation. Max shares that everyone, regardless of gender, benefits from having a supportive network. He encourages finding simple, fulfilling activities to help recharge and reminds us all that being there for others requires us to first take care of ourselves.
In this way, we work to build a community in our homes where everyone checks in on each other, cultivating a safe, inclusive culture. Mental health support should not be reactionary; it’s about ongoing, preventative care. By “showing up” regularly—whether for a chat, a walk, or a game—we create a space where the young people in our care know it’s okay to express how they’re really feeling.
Moving Forward: A Compassionate Approach to Mental Health
Our team is committed to reshaping mental health conversations. By reducing stigma, encouraging open dialogue, and recognising the impact of social media, we’re helping young men feel empowered to be honest about their struggles. Max’s message is clear: the path to better mental health involves patience, empathy, and understanding—and it’s okay to not be okay.
In a world filled with overwhelming pressures, we hope this message reaches all young people and reminds them that they’re never alone on their journey.