re - quest .org .uk

Why for young men?

This site was setup for young men because of the ignorance and stigma surrounding mental ill health that makes many blokes more relcucatnt to get help when they need it. At stressful times many young men bottle up their thoughts and feelings, this doesn't help and makes things worse. Talking to someone that understands how you feel and is non-judgemental can help. We hope to link you to suitable contacts.

Alarmingly, of all suicides by young people 80% are by young men. Young men have the fastest rising suicide rates in the country. This website aims to help and improve access (confidentially) to info and support for young men in mental distress.

Also, two reports by the Mental Health Foundation (see: web links), Bright Futures 1999 and Turned Upside Down 2001, concluded that young people aged 15-25 are currently poorly served by statutory mental health services. Too many current services are inappropiate and inaccessible. Young people fall in between the gaps of services. they can't be served by children and adolescent services and at the same time are too young for adult services. Young people in adult services are often intimidated by the large age gap between them and other patients (adult services serve people aged 18-65).