Support for men: navigating tough times

Financial challenges can happen to anyone, and facing them doesn't mean you've made a mistake or lacked foresight.

The cost of living crisis has shown how quickly situations can change, shaking up personal finances and creating uncertainty. A job loss, or unexpected changes to monthly outgoings, like increased rent or mortgage costs, can create difficulties.

Feeling overwhelmed is understandable, but it's crucial to know that support is available.

This section has organisations that can help and advise you on everything from debt management to accessing benefits to help you regain control of your finances.

Citizens Advice Sutton

Citizens Advice provides a range of free, confidential debt advice and can help you explore solutions to manage your debt. Email debtadvice@citizensadvicesutton.org.uk

Money Helper UK

The Money Helper website offers guidance on managing debt and helps you find the right free debt advice service for your situation.

Cost of Living Support

Sutton Council website has links to support provided by the Council, community groups, local charities, and partners.

Tough times can put a strain on even the strongest relationships. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, navigating separation or divorce, facing difficulties in maintaining a connection with your child, or coping with the pain of bereavement, these can take a significant toll.

This section has organisations that can support you and those close to you to navigate these hurdles.

Relate: Face-to-face counselling & support

Relate can help you make the most of relationships; past, present or future. Services include relationship counselling, family counselling, mediation, sex therapy and more. P: 030 0100 1234 E: enquiries@relate.org.uk

Cruse: Bereavement Support

Cruse can help support you with grief, no matter how much time has passed. P: 0808 808 1677 (Monday to Friday: 9.30am - 3pm)

Family Hubs

Family Hubs can support you as a parent or carer to navigate services for your child's early years through to adulthood. P: 020 8770 6000 E: familyinfo@sutton.gov.uk

Not Alone in Sutton

Not Alone in Sutton has resources to help if you are experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who is.

Male only One Stop Shop: provides support for male victims and survivors of domestic abuse (DA). Available every third Thursday of the month, 10am – 1pm. Masonic Hall, 9 Grove Road, Sutton, SM1 1BT

• No appointment necessary
• Free advice and support from qualified DA professionals
• Solicitor

P: 020 8092 7569 Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm – with the exception of Christmas Day and the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

It's all too easy for anyone to find themselves relying on substances, like alcohol or drugs, or behaviours such as gambling to cope with life's pressures.

What might begin as an occasional escape can quickly become an issue that impacts health, relationships, and wellbeing. Recognising this and deciding to seek help is a courageous step towards recovery.

Cranstoun Inspire

Cranstoun Inspire can support you if you want to change your alcohol and/or drug use.
Cranstoun Inspire, Orion House, 19 Cedar Road, Sutton, SM2 5JG
Open: 9.30am to 6pm (8pm Mondays and Thursdays). Closed bank holidays.
P: 020 8773 9393 E: info-inspire@cranstoun.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

AA can help you if you are having trouble with your drinking, or if it has reached the point where it worries you. They can help explore different paths to support, finding one that works best for you.
P: 0800 9177 650 E: help@aamail.org

GamCare

GamCare can help you access the right support if you are experiencing difficulties with gambling or are impacted by someone else’s gambling.
P: 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

WhatsApp with a Helpline adviser on 020 3031 8881.
 

Legal issues, from minor infractions to more complex disputes, can quickly complicate life.

These challenges may seem daunting, adding stress and uncertainty to your daily life.

Recognising the need for support and getting the right legal advice can help you tackle legal issues, reduce stress, and work towards a positive outcome.

Citizens Advice Sutton

Citizens Advice can offer you free, independent, confidential legal guidance to help you understand your rights. This can help you understand your situation better and decide what steps to take next.

Drop in service at our Sutton office - under the Central Library, St Nicholas Way, SM1 1EA. The office is open to visitors on weekdays from 10am to 3pm.
P: Call 020 8405 3552 between 9am to 5pm, weekdays.

South West London Law Centres

SWL Law Centres can help you understand and defend your rights. Providing free and independent legal advice on a range of social welfare issues.
 

1. Connect with the people around you. With family, friends and neighbours.
2. Be Active. Go for a walk or run with your favourite playlist. Visit a leisure centre. Garden. Play a sport.
3. Keep Learning. Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Explore something new.
4. Give. Do something nice for a neighbour. Thank someone. Volunteer your time.
5. Take Notice. Be mindful, observe the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment.

Visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/ for more wellbeing advice.

Connect

The Proper Blokes Club

The Proper Blokes Club organises men-only walks, providing an opportunity to meet up with others in a non-judgemental environment and ‘walk and talk’ to share experiences.

P: 07397 501110 E: theproperblokesclub@gmail.com

Sutton Men in Sheds

Men in Sheds can provide you with a way to connect with others, as well as create and pursue new interests. P: 02086483917 E: meninsheds@communityactionsutton.org.uk

Be Active

Parkrun

Parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or cheer! No one finishes last, everyone's welcome!

Keep Learning

Sutton College

Sutton college has a wide range of part-time and evening courses available. Learn computerised accounts, woodwork, British Sign Language, coding and more! Financial assistance may be available.

Give

Volunteer Centre Sutton

The Volunteer Centre can help you to find a volunteering opportunity, meaning you can give back to your community, gain experience, whatever your interest, skills or availability. P: 020 8661 5900

Take notice

Good Thinking Resources

Good Thinking offers a range of online resources and tools, such as meditation, mindfulness, podcasts and blogs, to help you support your mental health and wellbeing.

It's common for men to feel uncomfortable discussing their mental health, yet many are silently grappling with feelings that life isn't quite what it used to be.

If you're feeling worn out, not coping as well as you think you should, or just generally overwhelmed, know that these experiences are more common than you might think.

Whether it's practical advice on managing stress, guidance on seeking professional help, or simply understanding that it's okay to not be okay.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

CALM provides support for anxiety, depression and more. Hear advice from ambassadors such as Declan Rice.
P: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm - midnight everyday)

Sutton Talking Therapies (previously Sutton Uplift)

STT offers free and confidential psychological therapies to support you in managing common mental health challenges.
P: 0800 032 1411 / 020 3513 4044 (Weekdays 9am - 5pm) E: SuttonTalkingTherapies@swlstg.nhs.uk

Sutton Mental Health Foundation (SMHF)

SMHF runs a service which provides a community of mental health support based around the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.
P: 020 8770 0172 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10am - 3pm) E: admin@smhf.org.uk
 

In moments of crisis, immediate help is available.

Here, you'll find emergency contact numbers and information on accessing urgent support services when you need them most.

If your life is at risk right now, because you feel like you might attempt suicide, or may have seriously harmed yourself, you need urgent medical help. Please:

• Call 999 for an ambulance
• Go straight to A&E, if you can
• Call South West London Mental health crisis line 0800 028 8000

Samaritans

To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
P: 116 123 (free from any phone) E: jo@samaritans.org (reply within 24 hours)

South West London Mental Health Crisis Line

The Mental Health Crisis Line can provide you with emotional support and advice if you are affected by urgent mental health issues.
P: 0800 028 8000 - Anyone can call this helpline, at any time.

Sutton Crisis Cafe

Sutton Crisis Cafe provides a safe space and crisis support, 7 days a week. 6:30pm - 11pm (last admission 10:30pm).
P: 0800 0129082
 

Depression is sometimes referred to as the ‘Black Dog’. Just like a real dog, it needs to be embraced, understood, taught new tricks, and ultimately brought to heel.

For signs and symptoms watch ‘I Had a Black Dog’

No matter where you are on your journey, asking for help is a courageous step, unlocking the next piece of the road.