The pressures men face, the struggles we carry, the silence so many feel forced into, it’s all been pushed aside.
That needs to change.
And while there are times where I, like you, disagree with the direction of this, or any government, I’m proud that it is this government making change in this space.
The men and boys of Weston, Worle, and the villages deserve this action and I feel very humbled that I get to play a role in making it meaningful for people here in my hometown.
Right now in Parliament, we are developing England’s first-ever Men’s Health Strategy.
It’s a big step, and an overdue one.
But here’s the thing: if it’s going to work, it needs to be shaped by real lives and real voices.
That’s where you come in.
On Wednesday, July 17, I’m hosting a Men’s Mental Health Discussion right here in Weston-super-Mare.
We’re working with the brilliant team at Talk Club, alongside Weston-super-Mare AFC.
This event isn’t just about raising awareness – it’s about really listening.
It’s about opening the door to honesty, understanding, and solutions that actually work.
Because when it comes to mental health, one-size-fits-all doesn’t work.
We need to understand the reality, not just the research.
None of us go through life untouched by poor mental health.
Whether it’s something we’ve faced ourselves, or something we’ve watched a loved one struggle through, this is something that affects everyone.
A friend. A partner. A colleague. A dad. A son.
That’s why this event is for everyone.
While this is a strategy focused on men’s health, the ripple effects go far beyond that.
Mental health touches entire families, communities, workplaces – and when we get it right, the impact will be felt far and wide.
I want Weston’s voice to be front and centre in this conversation.
Too often, towns like ours are left out of the decisions that shape the country.
But we have something to say.
Knowing Weston as well as I do, we’ve got insight, compassion, and experience coming out of our ears.
Let’s not waste it, let’s make the most of it!
So I’m calling on anyone from Weston, Worle, and our villages who have been impacted by mental health issues, both men and women, to come and take part.
Talk about what’s working, what’s missing, and what needs to change.
You don’t have to have all the answers, just your voice, your story, and your honesty.
Behind every statistic is a real person.
A life that matters.
And too many are still suffering in silence, isolated, misunderstood, or left behind.
If we’re going to break that silence, we need to start right here, together.
This is our chance to help shape a strategy that doesn’t just sit on a shelf, but changes lives.