Being part of the Shropshire Suicide Prevention Strategy

The project is part of the Shropshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2023-2026, to action to reduce suicide and promote a County that is suicide aware, with the right resources and offers in the right places at the right time to support anyone impacted by suicide.

Suicide is now the leading cause of premature mortality in men younger than 50, followed by heart disease. Suicide is not a mental health disorder, but mental ill health can increase risk of suicide.

National evidence identifies a range of factors that can increase suicide risk. These can include recent challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis, ongoing global conflicts and the impact from the pandemic which can also influence poorer mental health and increased suicide risk. We also know from national evidence there are a range of groups with a higher risk of suicide (including but not limited to) people with an alcohol or substance misuse issue, those impacted by abuse, family or relationship issues, financial concerns, social isolation, and loneliness, those suffering discrimination based on sexuality, gender, race or ethnicity as well as people with long term and chronic health conditions.

What is the Let’s Make and Create for Men’s Mental Health project?

This project offers a two-pronged approach to fully tackle all areas of the strategy. As such, Designs in Mind have committed to running 12 monthly “Men Who Make Workshops”, which started at the end of March 2025. These workshops aim to improve general wellbeing, confidence and social isolation, and will have occasional presence from a Community Mental Health Champion.

In the meantime, Oswestry Community Action will be training 10 Community Mental Health Champions over 12 months, with regular check-ins and development and an aim to improve wellbeing, awareness of mental health, and knowledge of signposting opportunities.

Meet Adam our Community Mental Health Champion Coordinator

Adam Fejfer is Community Mental Health Champion Coordinator at Oswestry Community Action.

Here’s what he’ssaid about working on the project; “Working on this project is a pleasure for me as Mental Health is a subject I am hugely passionate about. Qube need volunteers to help provide support and promote positive mental health within the community. If you can offer a safe, supportive environment for individuals to talk about their mental health, plus work towards reducing the stigma around mental health and guide them to seek the appropriate mental health resources, we want to hear from you. Through promoting more awareness and conversation about mental health and suicide in our communities, we hope to tackle stigma and to encourage anyone struggling with or impacted by mental health and suicide to reach out as early as possible; there are people who are ready and able to listen and help.”

Aside from work, my family and I have lived in Shrewsbury for over 16 years. I am a coach at two local football teams and a volunteer for community groups, including the Shropshire European Organisation CIC helping to organise community events.

In my free time, I enjoy long walks with the dog and spend time with my family. Apart from that I like to read books, especially fantasy and history.

Designs in Mind Events

Designs in Mind offer workshops that are thoughtfully designed to foster self-expression, boost confidence, and create connections. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, their inclusive environment invites everyone to explore their artistic potential.

For more details and to book the ‘Men who Make’ events, check out the Designs in Mind website.