What We Do

12th Man work with community businesses and interest groups to promote positive mental health

BE THE 12TH MAN

12th Man is a community movement that aims to improve mental health and wellbeing for men. We work with community businesses that employ or serve men, and interest groups that have high male memberships. We provide mental health training in these settings to promote positive mental health, raise awareness of the signs of poor mental health, and give men the confidence to talk about mental health and support each other on a daily basis.

12th Man advocate talking and listening as part of our daily lives. We aim to make mental health conversation part of the usual interactions men have at work or in their social and private lives. Men often disassociate themselves from mental health because the societal focus is often on poor mental health, or mental ill-health. Commonly men want to see themselves as strong, capable and able to provide care and stability for their families and friends. For this reason 12th Man helps men recognise that we all have mental health, all the time. Talking about mental health is a sign of strength, and those who do so can be leaders in their communities. Since 2016, over 1000 people have joined our movement to 'Be The 12th Man' for their families, friends and colleagues.

12th Man is built upon the positive values of a football crowd. It encourages men to show emotions and not hide them. It asks men to help each other to overcome challenges and to tackle the stigma around mental health. We empower men to talk about mental health more openly, more often and without stigma or prejudice. Like supporting your team, we encourage vocal and unconditional support when it’s needed most.

12th Man provide mental health training and support for local businesses and interest groups. We help businesses and clubs become better teams, and we are steadily creating a network of trained individuals who know what it means to 'Be The 12th Man'. Our campaign helps these businesses, clubs and individuals to work together, and help promote positive daily mental health.