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Q & A with Brandon Kaszics

This month we are talking to a valued member of our training team, Brandon. Not only does he work tirelessly to help you guys with your assistive technology, but he also spends his spare time helping other men with their mental health. He joined us to tell us more about Bro Pro UK…

What is the Brotherhood Project?

The Brotherhood Project is dedicated to promoting and creating a safe place for men to meet, socialise, talk & receive support in areas of their lives that they are struggling with and provide signposting through a range of mental health services & all things wellbeing related. We take a person-centred, community-based approach to give people somewhere they can feel welcomed, safe and secure. We have a centre in Spilsby and three brand new venues that opened in January; Bro Pro Louth, Bro Pro Mablethorpe & Bro Pro Skegness.

You can get in touch with the Brother Project UK from anywhere by contacting us on 07939092585.

We run a WhatsApp support group for men all over the country and we can add you to this community. Allowing you a place to speak and share experiences with men struggling with the same or similar issues. You are not alone and we are here to help.

Who does it support?

We are here for absolutely anyone that needs support. Men aged 18+ through the Brotherhood Project and we also have a youth project for younger people needing help. Our sister project ’Eve’ provides the same support to women and we run wellbeing centres throughout the week for anyone that wants to attend!

Why is it so important?

Anyone struggling with their mental health is important. Over 700,000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

  • - Three times as many men as women die by suicide.
  • - Men aged 40 - 49 have the highest suicide rate in the UK.
  • - Men reported lower levels of life satisfaction according to the government national wellbeing survey.
  • - Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS therapies are for men.

Men are also far more likely to go missing, sleep rough, become dependent on alcohol and use drugs frequently. Although this can paint a gloomy picture, suicides can be preventable and that’s why it’s important to reach out to people you think may be struggling and show them you care. Signposting them to the relevant services is vitally important.

How can I help?

If you suspect someone may be struggling, there are many steps we can take to help. If we struggle with our mental health it can make us feel very alone and isolated. The first thing we can do is speak to the person, remind them you care about them and are there to listen. That you accept them as they are and there is no judgement. Stay in touch, even if it’s just a text, it can change someone’s day. Ask if they’d like to meet up for coffee or a walk, exercise is a great tool and many studies have been published that show the links between getting your body moving and combating depression. Our diet can profoundly affect our mood too, maybe some gentle suggestion might help in these situations.

Be patient and take care of yourself.

What should we do if we are worried about someone we love?

Most importantly, if someone is really struggling and they are in some form of immediate risk or danger, find help.

Make a note:

Samaritans - 116 123

NHS 24/7 Support - 0800 001 4331

National Suicide Prevention - 0800 689 5652

Brotherhood Project UK - 07939092585

Written by Brandon Kaszics, Assistive Technology Trainer

Edited by Laura Cunningham, Social Media Editor

1st February, 2022

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