Local Charity Shop Wants The Shirt Off Your Back, UK

Main Category: Mental Health
Also Included In: Men's health
Article Date: 28 Apr 2009 - 6:00 PDT

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Mind charity shops across England and Wales are calling on men to Get it off their chest this Mind week by donating the shirt off their back to the stores. The mental health charity is launching a new campaign to raise awareness about men's mental health problems and to celebrate Mind shops are appealing for men's treasured possessions from garments to gadgets.

We need good quality men's clothing so if your old favourite threads are in good nick but no longer for you then why not give them a new lease of life by donating them and supporting Mind's new Get it off your chest campaign. Alternatively, you can show your support by popping in and picking up some recession-busting bargains.

Mind's Get it off you chest campaign hopes to get men to open up about their stresses, worries and fears. Almost 3 million men have a mental health problem and every day 3 young men will take their own life. Unfortunately, many men are reluctant to acknowledge when they are facing difficulties and wrongly believe that opening up about their problems makes them weak.

Funds raised during Mind Week will help the charity continue its vital work including running its confidential MindinfoLine 0845 766 0163. In this time of rising unemployment it is crucial that men get the necessary advice and support. Men's mental health is more likely than women's to be affected by redundancy with 1 in 7 men experiencing mental distress within 6 months of losing their job.

Bob Monteath, Managing Director of Mind shops, said:

"Men are just as likely as women to experience mental distress but feel far less comfortable than women about discussing their feelings. One in three men say they feel embarrassed about asking for help. The consequences of not seeking support can be fatal as men account for three quarters of all suicides in England and Wales. Please help Mind to raise awareness about this problem by supporting us in any way you can this Mind week. Go to your local Mind shop and find something that will put a smile on your face, or dust down your vintage leather jacket, bring it in and put a smile on someone else's."

Source
MIND