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.

Together For Sutton

Together For Sutton is an independent, impartial, free and confidential information and advice service, the ideal contact if you are not sure who can help you professionally or personally.

Call: 020 8254 2616 (Open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm) 

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.
Call 030 0100 1234 or email bookings@relate.org.uk.

Cruse: Bereavement Support

Cruse can help support you with grief, no matter how much time has passed.

Call 0808 808 1677, between 9am to 5pm, weekdays.

Best Start in Life

Navigating parenthood can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. Sutton's Best Start in Life offer provides fathers and male carers with practical support, trusted advice, and access to friendly local Family Hubs to help you and your child thrive from the early years right through to adulthood.

Call 020 8770 6000 or email familyinfo@sutton.gov.uk.

Sutton Domestic Abuse Support Services (DASS)

1 in 6-7 men in the UK will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime, and nearly half won't tell anyone due to shame and stigma. The Domestic Abuse Support Service offers non-judgemental, specialist support, and encourages men to reach out if they are experiencing domestic abuse. 

If you are concerned about your own abusive behaviour toward a partner, ex-partner or family member, you can self-refer to Men & Masculinities, a 24 week group programme, which will support you to make positive changes.

Call 020 8092 7569 or email suttondass@cranstoun.org.uk. 

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

Call 020 8773 9393 or email 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.

Call 0800 9177 650 or e-mail 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.

Call 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
 

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.

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.

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.

Call 07397 501110 or email 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.

Call 0208 648 3917 or email 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.

Call 020 8661 5900

Take notice

Every Mind Matters Resources

Every Mind Matters Resources offers a range of online resources and tools, such as meditation, mindfulness, personalised action plans and advice, 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.

Call 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.

Call 0800 032 1411 or 020 3513 4044 (Weekdays 9am - 5pm). You can also email 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.

Call 020 8770 0172 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10am - 3pm) or email 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.

Call 116 123 (free from any phone) 

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.

Call 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).

Call 0800 012 9082

The Black Dog

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.