Westmorland and Furness Council is using its waste collection vehicles to raise awareness about men’s mental health.
The council has branded two of its refuse vehicles with new signage provided by Andy’s Man Club – a men’s suicide prevention charity.
According to the local authority, the livery on the lorries that operate in Barrow and Kendal provides information about how men can access support for mental health issues.
The signage was first featured in the club’s ‘It’s Okay to Talk’ campaign, supporting its aims of urging men to seek help if they are struggling.
Ahead of the signage launch, members of the charity delivered information sessions for council staff that promoted open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma around the topic.
Volunteers from Andy’s Man Club have also been working with the local authority’s waste teams to raise awareness about the campaign since the rollout of the livery.
Cllr Giles Archibald, Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services, said that assisting the campaign has been a proud moment for the council.
Cllr Archibald said: ‘The statistics around male suicide are shocking, and they highlight just how vital it is that we continue breaking down the barriers that prevent men from talking openly about their mental health.’
He added: ‘By partnering with Andy’s Man Club, we want to help normalise these conversations – both within our organisation and across our communities. Something as simple as seeing a message on the side of a wagon can be the reminder someone needs that they’re not alone and that support is available.
‘We hope these signs encourage more men to reach out, talk, and seek help when they need it.’
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Photo: © Westmorland and Furness Council.
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