Earlier today Ally Fogg, a Guardian columnist, posted an interesting blog piece in advance of International Men’s Day, which is next Tuesday:

http://freethoughtblogs.com/hetpat/2013/11/15/can-you-make-me-shut-up-for-a-few-hours

I’ve just posted the following comment, and invite you to post your own comment.

Ally, thanks for this… There is of course a ‘chicken and egg’ situation here. One reason men often don’t seek help is that they’ve learned that when they do, there’s little or no support available – certainly true of the state, but often from families and friends too, including male family members and friends, it has to be said. On one of our blog pieces a (female) social worker reported that when a homeless woman contacts her on a Friday afternoon she’s required to supply her with what she requests of the following – accommodation, clothing, food, money. When a homeless man contacts her, she’s required to send him back onto the street with NOTHING. Homelessness is of course a major risk factor for suicide, 90% of homeless people are men, and British men are three times more likely than British women to commit suicide. It’s not too hard to join up the dots, is it?