Panel Discussion: Young boys and men - mental health crisis

We will be speaking with mental health professionals and other experts to explore the crisis facing young men’s mental health, building on our previous shows and discussions about young people and mental wellbeing. We will be joined by Steve James from the Cornermen charity and Darius Smith from Oxfordshire Youth.

The Cornermen is a small men’s mental health and suicide prevention service that delivers 1-2-1 support to men over 18 who are experiencing emotional or mental distress, and those who are at risk of suicide. Located in South Moreton Boxing Club it provides sessions with professional support combined with physical activity, or other activities men feel most comfortable with, such as walking or meeting for coffee. The service is free and provides free transport to sessions, which means it is accessible to those struggling financially in the community. Since November 2022 over 300 men have used the service. With word of mouth being the overwhelming referral source. The Cornermen is highly praised by suicide prevention experts for its methods of working with Men experiencing suicidal ideation. Steve’s background before moving to suicide prevention, was in homelessness. Where he gained over 20 years’ experience, of working in, and managing several residential projects in Oxford and Reading. Most notably helping to establish The Emmaus Oxford project, where he was community Leader for 14 years, before leaving to found the Cornermen.

Darius Smith is a creative professional, digital content creator, and youth advocate involved with Oxfordshire Youth, a leading charity supporting young people and youth organisations across Oxfordshire. He works across social media, digital storytelling, and community engagement, using his creative skills to amplify youth voices and promote opportunities for young people.

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Host or Publisher Mandala Theatre Company