What is the Man-Down Project

The Man-Down Project is a network currently being developed by myself and three other individuals with the aim of supporting men of all ages who feel that they are not able to reach out for support or advice due to their gender-identity.

Why are we developing the network?

We are developing the network to help signpost individuals to services available to them and help combat the stigma around gender-based issues.

• Just over three out of four suicides (76%) are by men and suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35 (Reference: ONS)
• 12.5% of men in the UK are suffering from one of the common mental health disorders
• Men are nearly three times more likely than women to become alcohol dependent (8.7% of men are alcohol dependent compared to 3.3% of women – Health and Social Care Information Centre) 
• Men are more likely to use (and die from) illegal drugs
• Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women. Only 36% of referrals to IAPT (Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies) are men.
• 73% of adults who ‘go missing’ are men (Reference: University of York).
• Men have measurably lower access to the social support of friends, relatives and community (References: R. Boreham and D. Pevalin).

Why men?

Men are significantly less likely to access psychological therapies than women. During the first 3 quarters of 2015, men were only 36% of those accessing psychological therapies. (Reference: IAPT quarterly data file)

There is no significant difference in recovery rate in response to IAPT between men and women. (Roughly the same number of men complete a course of therapy as begin it.)

In a 2016 survey of 1,112 employed men conducted by Opinion Leader for the Men’s Health Forum:

• 34% would be embarrassed or ashamed to take time off work for mental health concern such as anxiety or depression compared to 13% for a physical injury. (Amongst men with mental health concerns, 46% are embarrassed or ashamed.)
• 38% would be concerned that their employer would think badly of them if they took time off work for a mental health concern – compared to 26% for a physical injury. (Amongst men with mental health concerns, 52% are concerned.)

Is it just about Mental Health?

No, the Man-Down project will cover a variety of issues and topics such as;

• Mental Health.
• Dealing with Debts.
• Domestic Abuse.
• Bereavement.
• Separation.
• Parental Support.
• Workplace Issues.

We will also be providing a platform for users to share content and discuss other issues with like-minded individuals in a safe, discreet and non-judgemental anonymous environment.

How we aim to protect the anonymity of users

Due to the nature of the network, our users will be provided with steps on how they can browse and use our website without the risk of their activity being discovered by others.

Recommendations and advice will be available on each page of the website and will be visible regardless on how the site is accessed.

The collection of user information

We understand that we have our own part in protecting user information. Therefore we will only collect the following;

• Information willingly provided by a user (via contact forms &/or user registration).*
• Non-Identifiable information (device type [mobile/tablet/desktop], browser type and location at a country level only).**
• Analytical information (content visited and time spent on the website).**

* We recommend that users consider using an alter-ego and use an email address that only they have access to.

** This information cannot be linked to any user specifically.

We will ensure that no emails are sent from our website unless a registered user turns this setting on within their account. No user information will be provided to any third-party unless requested by the individual.

All users can request a copy of any information held of them at any time however, we would be required to check the identity of the user.

When will the Project be launched?

We are hoping to launch the project in the Summer 2022.

Want to know more?

Please feel free to contact the Man-Down team by emailing mandown@deanljbirch.com