Men’s mental health is a very real threat.  That was the message made loud and clear during the first home league game of the new year against Chichester as Tottonians Rugby Club came together to raise money and awareness for Solent Mind’s Marcella House Men’s Group in Hythe.

Coinciding with the annual Ladies Lunch event, when the club celebrates the incredible efforts that our hard working women put into the everyday running of the club, it was decided to use the day to focus on men’s mental health.

Nearly 90 guests enjoyed a lavish lunch as the room was filled with chatter, copious amounts of Prosecco and plenty of laughter but it fell silent as representatives from Solent Mind, the locally based mental health charity, spoke openly and honestly about one of the most taboo subjects amongst men.

The laughter turned to genuine concern and tears flowed, both during the pre-match speeches and when Clair Angell, the chief organiser of the day, a former ‘Totties’ player and an associate of Solent Mind, offered more on the threat that mental health brings to so many – and so many do quietly, without assistance for fear of reprisal.

“Man-ing up is not an option,” was the clear message sent and any man struggling should reach out, without concern, without fear.  And those messages raised a much needed £1,000 for the charity on the day.

There was an incredible amount of support offered by members of the local business community in Totton and the following all provided donations for the raffle:
Hamwic Estate Agents, Totton
Branton’s Estate Agents, Totton
A F Pharmacy, Testvale, Totton
Pat’s Sandwiches, Totton
Rob Marshall of Forest Edge Mortgages, Totton
Fusion Beauty, Totton
Beauty at the Bungalow, Totton
Best Buys, Totton
hair.byizzyangell x Totton
And to everyone at the rugby club for their donations.

If you would like to donate, it is not too late to do so – please visit our justgiving page
https://www.justgiving.com/page/tottonians-rugby-solent-mind

And if you are struggling with your mental health, please please please do not hesitate to contact Solent Mind via the following link …. https://www.solentmind.org.uk/.  Help is there, there is someone for everyone and someone to listen and to help.