As well as being Vice-Chair of Health Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Michael Lilley (Alliance Group) is the Isle of Wight council’s Mental Health Champion.
On International Men’s Day (19th November 2021), Cllr Lilley says now more than ever is the time to ensure supportive measures are in place for men who are struggling. He told News OnTheWight,
“Men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women, four times more likely to not ask for help than women and four times more likely to end up mental health acute care.
“On 29th November, Health Scrutiny will be discussing the IWC Suicide Prevention Strategy and this will be an opportune time to raise the need for supportive interventions to prevent any resident getting so low that they think of taking their own life.”
On a listening tour
Setting out details of the work that Cllr Lilley is doing in his role as Mental Health Champion, he tells News OnTheWight,
“I am currently working with IW Healthwatch on a IW Mental Health Listening Tour around the Isle of Wight and listen to a range of groups including specific men’s health and support groups.
“I have had discussions with IW Prostate Cancer group, a support group called Men Only and a new proposed veterans support group planning to establish a cafe/drop in in Ryde.
“All these peer led groups are what is needed and I am keen to enable them to grow and thrive.”
Support for Dads
As the theme for this year’s International Men’s Day is Dads, Cllr Lilley explained,
“I remember becoming a Dad at age 23 in 1980 (my daughter is now 41) and having no one really to talk to, and a single parent dad at 29 of three children and no- one to really turn to.
“There were only 10 per cent of Dad-led single parent Dads in 1987. So I am really supportive of highlighting the need to support Dads.”
Find out more
See the International Men’s Day Website for more information.
Head over to the Movember Website to find about more about men’s mental health where you’ll find lots of helpful information.
