A new campaign to encourage awareness among male students of the University's counselling service has been launched.

Students are being asked to get their creative caps on and produce material which will appeal to male students.

It's hoped the campaign will encourage male students to seek counselling if they are experiencing emotional problems and distress.

In the UK the suicide rate amongst men aged 15 to 24 has risen over the last 15 years, however, male students may feel reluctant to seek help. 

The campaign includes a poster and short film competition. Winning entries will appear in 25 Leeds bars and clubs which are participating in the campaign as well as 10 shops in the city centre and Headingley. 

The winner will be presented with prizes at the Drama Society's Open Stage Night.  Currently the Leeds Met Counselling Service offers daily drop in sessions at the Civic Quarter on every weekday and at The Cottage at Headingley Campus on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
 
Men's mental health hit the headlines recently after German goalkeeper, Robert Enke, committed suicide following a struggle with depression.

PR officer at the Students Union, Adam Burns said: "We hope that by launching this campaign we can make the counselling service more accessible to our male students. 

"After hearing about Robert Enke's battle with depression it made our campaign relevant and we feel it is important to ensure that Leeds Met students who suffer from mental health issues are aware of help available.  Male students should not feel ashamed of seeking help as it takes a great deal of courage to do so."

Counsellor at Leeds Met, Sue Dominey said: "It can be difficult to admit you are experiencing problems, feeling emotionally upset and worried, if everyone else around you appears fine.  Sometimes men wear a 'mask of cool' on the outside, which hides inner distress and vulnerability.  I believe it is a sign of strength and courage for a man to ask for help."

The closing date for the competition is December 9 and prizes on offer include gig tickets, books, gym membership and one mystery prize.

There will also be a winner selected from all the entries from public relations students and the winner will have the opportunity to become part of the students' union PR team.

All entries should be emailed to pr@leedsmetsu.co.uk.  Posters can be handed in to the students' union reception.  The Open Stage Night will take place on December 15 at The Civic Quarter Students' Union.

For more information please visit www.leedsmetstudentsunion.blogspot.com