ManDown’s 383 Campaign Launches in Cornwall for Male Mental Health
A Campaign Born from Cornish Compassion
This Father’s Day, ManDown—a Cornwall-rooted charity with growing reach across the UK—has launched its ambitious 383 campaign, a number that reflects the staggering reality of male suicide in Britain. Every month, approximately 383 men in the UK take their own lives, a statistic that moved founder Ross Jackson-Hicks to act. The timing of the campaign’s launch couldn’t be more poignant: Father’s Day represents both a celebration of the men we cherish and a reminder of the profound losses many families have experienced through suicide. For those who call Cornwall home, from the clifftops near Fistral Beach to the quiet residential streets of neighbourhoods across the county, this campaign speaks directly to our community’s wellbeing. ManDown has deliberately chosen to highlight an often-silent struggle that affects men across all ages and backgrounds. Jackson-Hicks recognised that launching during Father’s Day creates a powerful opportunity to acknowledge both celebration and grief, making space for conversations that too often remain hidden. The campaign aims to raise funds and awareness while establishing a network of support that reaches beyond Cornwall’s borders into communities across England and Scotland.
Building Support Networks Across the Region
ManDown’s growing network of support groups already exists in strategic locations, including right here in Truro and across the South West in Plymouth and Exeter. These gatherings represent something profoundly important: a safe harbour for men struggling with mental health challenges. Each meeting creates what the charity describes as a confidential, non-judgmental space where men can speak openly about their experiences and support one another. Beyond our region, groups have also been established in Cheltenham, Inverness, and Greenwich, building a UK-wide safety net. For residents across Cornwall—whether you work in Newquay’s bustling tourism sector, live in quieter coastal villages, or call inland towns home—these groups offer real, accessible help. The importance of these spaces cannot be overstated. Generations of messaging around masculinity—phrases like ‘man up’ and ‘boys don’t cry’—have created environments where men feel unable to express vulnerability. Jackson-Hicks emphasises that when men can openly discuss their struggles without shame, they avoid the isolation that often precedes mental health crises. The charity’s vision is to expand these groups significantly, ensuring that no man in need has to struggle alone in the shadows.
What This Means for Our Community—and What We Can Do
For those of us living and working in Cornwall—from the hospitality workers welcoming visitors to go to Newquay and experience our famous beaches, to families enjoying dog friendly accommodation and beach time with their pets at Fistral Beach—mental health support affects everyone. The 383 campaign isn’t just a charity initiative; it’s a call to action for our entire community. We can support this cause by raising awareness, encouraging the men in our lives to seek help when needed, and challenging outdated attitudes about masculinity and mental health. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, ManDown’s groups provide genuine connection and understanding. The campaign also serves as a reminder that mental health is a community issue. Local businesses, organisations, and groups can get involved by promoting awareness and supporting fundraising efforts. For young men navigating work stress, relationship challenges, or the pressures of modern life, knowing that support exists—that vulnerability is welcomed, not judged—can be life-changing. Visit ManDown’s website to locate your nearest group or learn how to contribute. Together, we can work toward significantly reducing these tragic statistics and creating a Cornwall and wider UK where men feel safe seeking help. If you’re affected by these issues, support is available through the BBC’s Action Line and other mental health services.
Source: Father’s Day launch for Cornwall charity mental health campaign
