Men’s suicide rates in Norfolk are higher than both regional and national averages. This is a crisis that cannot be ignored. We are a group brought together by personal experience—either having struggled with mental health ourselves or knowing someone who has. Too many men find it difficult to talk about their feelings and we believe that needs to change. Sport is a powerful tool for improving mental health. According to the 2024 UEA Sport Annual Report, regular participation in sports has been proven to boost mental well-being, reduce stress, and foster a sense of community. But right now, not enough is being done to make sport accessible for those who need it most. That’s why we are campaigning for a policy change that will increase funding and participation in sport for men struggling with their mental health. By investing in sport as a mental health intervention, we can take real action to address this crisis. If you want to get involved or have ideas to share, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at [your contact info]. Together, we can change the game for men’s mental health in Norfolk. 

Our university must act swiftly to mitigate this dire situation. We demand that UEASport be funded and supported thoroughly to host a weekly 'All to Play For' style event on campus. This will serve the dual purpose of encouraging physical activity and bridging gaps in mental health support, creating an overall healthier environment on campus.

Furthermore, the integration of sporting opportunities and mental health support needs to be strengthened across the board for all students, but we insist upon a sharp focus on our male cohorts. This is a key component of our petition and we strongly believe that this integration will further reduce the stigma around seeking help and promote mental well-being while fostering community spirit.

Lastly, we propose increased funding for the 'Move Your Mind' scheme. This will facilitate more students to access sporting opportunities as part of their mental health provisions for free.

An improved funding model and strategic initiatives could save lives and enhance the overall physical and mental health of all students. We encourage you to join us in this necessary initiative by signing our petition for enhanced mental health services and sports integration at UEA.