ONE of York’s top political figures is raising money on International Men’s Day.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, is currently raising money for Menfulness – a York charity who provide a space for men struggling with their mental health - to pay homage to International Men's Day.

International Men’s Day exists to highlight the issues faced by men and boys across the world and shed light on actions that they can take in seeking help.

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Some of these issues highlighted by the mayor include mental health problems (with 13 men losing their life to poor mental health every day), prostate cancer, life expectancy, academic attainment, and criminal justice.

Through his role, Mr Skaith seeks to better promote the services available for men – many of which are commissioned through the mayor’s Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, which also offers advice and support to men in similar situations.

He said: “International Men’s Day is a reminder of how vital our support services are to everyone, including men and boys. I want to make it clear that help is there for you, you’re not alone. We have a range of support available in York and North Yorkshire, so please look into them if you feel you need it.

“It is no secret that a staggering number of men lose their life due to poor mental health. These stats, combined with my own mental health journey, has spurred me on to raise awareness for men’s mental health.

“This month, I have been running 5km every day to raise awareness for Menfulness, a men's social wellbeing group in York that provides activities and counselling for men struggling with their mental health.

“As mayor I want to build heathy and thriving communities where people can make use of our beautiful outdoor spaces. An active lifestyle, getting outdoors, and making sure I keep talking, have been the best things I have done for my mental health. There are so many options for support, for a range of issues, so please, don’t face your problems alone.”

Alongside commissioned services, there are also a wide range of organisations providing support for issues facing men and boys:

•            Men & Boys Coalition (menandboyscoalition.org.uk)

•            Talk Club - UK male mental health charity.

•            Andy's Man Club - A men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.

•            BaggyTrouserUK - A survivor-led charitable incorporated organisation that exists to make a positive impact on the lives of boys and men who have been affected by Testicular Cancer.

•            Ben’s Place North Yorkshire - A small charity whose primary aim is supporting men and boys who have suffered childhood sexual abuse, grooming, sexual violence, rape and domestic abuse.

•            The Better Days for Men Foundation - A charity that aims to provide advice, information, support and ultimately hope to men who have fallen on hard times and are suffering hardship.

•            Movember - The leading men's mental health charity in the UK, working on issues including mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

Movember has a further extensive list of support available in the UK for men who may be struggling with their mental or physical health: Movember - Men's Health.

The following services are also available for men who need help but are not in danger:

•            Call 111 to speak to the NHS

•            Text SHOUT Crisis line on 95258

•            Free call CALM on 0800 585858 (5pm-midnight)

•            Free call Samaritans on 116 123 (24hr)

•            Or find another helpline here: Suicide Hotlines & Crisis Helplines | Free, 24/7 Chat, Text & Phone (findahelpline.com)