Men’s health project
in Hastings
Take Action Man is a nature based activity & support group for men.
We have been offering local men the opportunity to get outside in the town’s wonderful natural spaces since 2021. getting active, learning new skills and spending time together, talking, supporting and helping one another.
Project Rewild is now working with People's Health Trust - Nature for Health to to improve the mental health of men in our town. Over the next two years we hope to build on and expand our work. The overarching aim of Nature for Health is to improve mental health and provide greater access to natural spaces and nature-based activities for people experiencing mental health problems, socio-economic disadvantage, marginalisation and discrimination.
“Take Action Man has had a profound impact on me. It has highlighted that we are not alone as Men.”
ITA TIME TO TALK MORE,
ITS TIME TO SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER,
ITS TIME TO…
TAKE ACTION MAN
Men’s outdoor adventure and support group in Hastings
Middle aged men have the highest rates of suicide than any age or gender group, with men reporting feelings of isolation, embarrassment, shame and a sense of burden on others.
The Samaritans recently published a report explaining why less-well off middle-aged men do not get the support they need. They identified that a lack of meaningful social connections, restricted help-seeking behaviour and a lack of purposeful activity were key risk factors that contributed to poor mental health.
Hastings has high levels of social deprivation and poverty. The mental health of men in this town has been highlighted by the charity MIND as a priority area.
We aim to create a project that is exciting and engaging for men. That takes place outside in nature and helps to support our local men.
We also want to do this because we are local men who live and work here. We, like many other men, have suffered from depression, anxiety, and mental health issues. We are fathers, husbands, lovers, brothers and friends. We need and want this work for all of us.
“In the UK, over 77 % of suicides are carried out by men.”
WHY?
Get ready to unleash your wild side, gents!
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENING
UPCOMING DATES.
September 9th
Fire Circle
Helenswood (Opposite Conquest Hospital), The Ridge, Hastings
September 22nd
Sea Fishing
Rock a Nore, Hastings seafront
October 14th
Fire Circle
Helenswood (Opposite Conquest Hospital), The Ridge, Hastings
October 27th
Woodland foraging and cooking
Churchwood, Hollington, St Leonards
November 16th
Cold Water Sea Swimming
Harbour Arm, Rock a Nore, Hastings
November 11th
Fire Circle
Helenswood (Opposite Conquest Hospital), The Ridge, Hastings
November 17th
Sacred Deer Woodland Day
Helenswood (Opposite Conquest Hospital), The Ridge, Hastings
December 9th
Fire Circle
Helenswood (Opposite Conquest Hospital), The Ridge, Hastings
December 15th
Cold Water Sea Swimming
Harbour Arm, Rock a Nore, Hastings
December 14th
Walk. Talk & Play
Fire hills, meet at Winkle Island, Old Town, Hastings
THIS IS A FREE GROUP, AIMED AT MEN LIVING IN THE HASTINGS AND ST LEONARDS AREA. SPACES ARE LIMITED. CONTACT LUKE TO JOIN US: luke@projectrewild.co.uk
media
Take Action Man Documentary Film.
A documentary, filmed over 2 years, following a men’s group in the seaside town of Hastings.
Hastings has been identified as a key risk area for major mental and physical health inequalities in men. It is the most socially and economically deprived town in the south east of England, yet enriched and surrounded by accessible natural spaces.
This film looks at why this kind of project is needed for every man and how nature and tribesmanship can help improve the health and wellbeing of men and the wider community.
The film was premiered at The Hastings Observer Building and recently screened at The Electric Palace Cinema in Hastings. Future screenings and online release will be published here.
Filmed and created by Shendao Silent Films
“The film highlights the increasing need of men to have a safe space; to find themselves again and how to show up in this society with integrity. The work that Project Rewild is doing is phenomenal and will be life changing for many”
COMMUNITY
“The way in which the project was presented was both humbling and awe inspiring. I found it truly invigorating and heartening to see that such a community focussed project exists within our small town”
It is important to proactively engage men with a community based approach providing accessibility, inclusivity, peer support, shared experiences and a sense of achievement.
We want to create a space where men can engage in positive outdoor activities and gain support to improve their wellbeing, and mental and physical health. To do this we are working closely with with our partners to develop a joined up approach to supporting and monitoring participants health. We are working closely with People's Health Trust - Nature for Health and with East Sussex County Council Public Health Team. We are also working with many local organisations to ensure men can find the help they need.
See below for a list of funders and partners.
Funded by People’s Health Trust using money raised through Health Lottery South East. People's Health Trust is an independent charity investing in local communities to help create a society without health inequalities through funding, support and using evidence and learning to influence change. It works closely with six Community Interest Companies raising money through The Health Lottery.
Proving 25% match funding to the project from September 2024 Sussex Community Foundation brings inspirational people together to create the change Sussex needs. We make and strengthen connections between philanthropists, businesses, charity founders and community leaders.
Mr Hastings & St Leonards have offered continued support and help in promoting Take Action Man. We are working closely with the team to build a collaborative local network for men.
We are working with the Public Health care team at ESCC to create a robust monitoring and support process for the project.
Men in MIND project in Hastings funded the original pilot project of Take Action Man in 2021. They have remained great supporters of the project, funding extra training and events.
Making it Happen funded Take Action Man for 18 months from 2022, allowing us to build the idea in to what the project it has become. Their help has been invaluable
JOIN US
“it seems obvious that men do better if they get out of their heads regularly, otherwise we give our noisy brains too much credence. I am very glad that you are out there creating a loving group where men can connect and learn cool shit and hang out in a gentler space”.
— Alan
Improving mental health and wellbeing
The Take Action Man project aims to improve the health and wellbeing of local men. We measure this using the WARWICK-EDINBURGH MENTAL WELLBEING SCALES (WEMWBS ).
Mental wellbeing is more than the absence of problems or illness. This term describes positive states of feeling and functioning. The term mental health is best used to describe the continuum from mental wellbeing to severe symptomatic mental illness and psychiatric disorders. You can see more information on the confidential system we use here
If you feel you need help now please contact The Samaritans or Mind for support and guidance. click the links below.