Study on male access to mental health services

Manx Care said the results of the survey will be used to improve accessibility to support

Men have been invited to take part in a research study to improve access to mental health services on the Isle of Man.

Manx Care said it would form part of a "targeted approach" to updating the health care body's approach to offering support to those who need it.

While the research is designed to improve accessibility services on the Island, it will also feed into the suicide prevention strategy.

Changes rolled out as a result of information gathered through a questionnaire the study would be used to remove barriers to people asking for support, the health care provider said.

'Reach out'

Official statistics from show that from 2006 to 2021 there were 156 deaths recorded as suicide on the island, 74% of which were male.

A plan to target the issue compiled by the Public Health Directorate, which had an overall target of "zero deaths", was included in the government's suicide prevention strategy approved by Tynwald in May last year.

The research is being carried out by Ciara Whelan, who is an assistant clinical psychologist for Manx Care's Community Wellbeing Service.

She said: "If we are able to better understand what deters males from accessing psychological support, we can take a more targeted approach to updating our services.

"I hope we can use the results of this study to encourage more males to reach out for mental health support if [or] when required.”

The study, which is open to adult Manx residents who identify as male, has been received ethics clearance through the Isle of Man Research Ethics Board, Manx Care said.