The rebranding of our mental health campaign from ‘Noise4Boys’ to ‘Mind the Noise’ has come from much thought and deliberation. Noise4Boys was launched in October 2019 in association with the Edinburgh University Predators American Football Team. We started with the aim to raise awareness of the importance of men’s mental health due to the ongoing stigma surrounding reaching out for help, and the potential devastating consequences of not. 40% of men said it would take thoughts of suicide or self-harm to compel them to seek professional help ( https://www.priorygroup.com/mental-health/mental-health-statistics ). It is not solely statistical evidence that shows how important it is to reduce these rates – opening a historically and continually neglected dialogue that attempts to eliminate mental health taboos has always been at the centre of our campaign. Seeking support for mental health and increasing overall wellbeing should not be prevented because of societal expectations.
We are proud to say that our campaigns so far have participated in making noise for these issues and are excited to continue in the future. The Noisy Movement recognises that mental health impacts everyone of all identities and our rebrand, ‘Mind the Noise’, has been created in response, aiming to endorse a more inclusive campaign, which attempts to rid stringent binaries of ‘boy’ / ‘girl’ issues, and wider gender norms that may prevent further seeking of help. As with our ‘This is Not Consent’ campaign, we recognise that issues do not just impact one gender; mental health is something that affects us all, intersecting many issues, and contributing to many aspects of our life. It is easy to feel alone, but we want to create a sense of community in our society, facilitating charities aligning with our goals. This is not to take away the importance of men’s mental health, but to create a safe space where people of different identities are supported.
Please do not hesitate to ask any questions about the rebrand or about further resources. We look forward to seeing you at our events, supporting our campaigns, and making noise for these important issues.
~ Evie for the Noisy Movement
Resources (MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT)
If in need of someone to talk to/short term counselling service through the university
Information on the options they can offer
Service Information | The University of Edinburgh
What to expect from utilising this service
Our Process – What to Expect | The University of Edinburgh
To sign up:
Self-Referral Form | The University of Edinburgh
Get in touch/ ask additional questions
Work: 0131 650 4170
Email: Student.Counselling@ed.ac.uk
Other Types of support:
- A National service if you are in distress and need to talk to someone
' The Samaritans' is a 24/7 service. Contact no: 116123
'Edinburgh Crisis Center' is a 24/7 service. Contact no: 0808801
-Critical health as well as mental health
'NHS 24' timing is only after GP hours. Contact no: 111
- Phone Line service if you need to talk to someone when feeling low
'Breathing Service' operating hours: Evenings and weekends Monday - Thursday 6pm-2am and Friday 6pm - Monday 6am.
-If you prefer to text rather than call use 'Shout'
it is 24 hours. Contact: text 'Shout' to 85258
Helplines if you are not in the United Kingdom and would want to contact a helpline service:
Helplines, Suicide Hotlines, and Crisis-Lines from Around the World (therapyroute.com)
For students, there have been a couple additional free apps/services that can be used for mental health.
- Togetherall: either opt for a community or 1 on 1 option. (Togetherall | The University of Edinburgh)
- Feeling Good App (Feeling Good App | The University of Edinburgh)
- Joshua Nolan Foundation – mental health counselling (https://www.joshuanolanfoundation.org)
- ‘Edinburgh Nightline’: is a service run by students for other students for when you feel low and need someone to talk to. They operate via call or message service and are open every night of the term from 8pm to 8am.
Website: https://ednightline.com
For any general queries, email coordinator@ednightline.com
For non emergency help – students (Uni of Edinburgh) can contact the following
- The Advice Place : contact info- 01315070815 or email advice@eusa.ed.ac.uk
- Listening service through the University Chaplaincy: contact info- 01316502595 or email listening.service@ed.ac.uk
- ‘Strut Safe’ is a free phone service who you can call when on a night out. They stay on call with you until you are safe at home. They operate from 7pm-3am on Friday and Saturday and 7pm-1am on Sunday. Helpline number: 03333350026
- “ ithrive Edinburgh” provides support for adults living and working in Edinburgh. They have different teams that specialize in different fields - https://ednightline.com
- “mental health UK’ provides tips on how to manage a great work-life balance especially during exam stress. https://mentalhealth-uk.org/help-and-information/health-and-wellbeing/)