We exist to break down barriers to mental health support for men
Navigating mental health support for men through campaigning, resources, and intelligent signposting.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
About The Asterisk Project (Why we exist)
Men make up 78% of suicide deaths in the UK, but only 38% of people accessing mental health services.
The gap is clear: men are struggling, but they’re not getting help. Why?
The barriers are real:
- Stigma about mental health and asking for help
- Services that don’t feel designed for men
- Confusing and fragmented support landscape
- Not knowing where to start
- Language and messaging that doesn’t land
Our response:
- The Asterisk Project exists to change this. We’re here to make accessing mental health support easier, clearer, and less daunting.
- We campaign to change the conversation. We create resources that give practical, actionable guidance. We provide navigation tools to help people find the right support.
Because finding help shouldn’t be this hard.
About our three pillars
What we do to help support men and their mental health and wellbeing.
Campaigning
Raising awareness and changing the conversation
We challenge stigma, shift narratives, and advocate for better services. We tell stories of hope and recovery, not just crisis. We work to change how men’s mental health is understood and addressed – by services, by communities, and by men themselves.
What this looks like:
- Amplifying lived experience voices
- Awareness campaigns that normalise help-seeking
- Advocacy for male-responsive service design
- Sharing evidence about what works
Resources
Practical guides that answer “what do I actually do?”
Knowing that support exists isn’t the same as knowing how to access it. We create clear, jargon-free resources that demystify the mental health system.
What this looks like:
- Toolkits for workplaces, communities, and services
- Step-by-step guides (e.g., how to talk to your GP, what happens in therapy)
- Plain-language explanations of different types of support
- Practical advice for supporting someone who’s struggling
Navigation
Helping people find the right support for their situation
The mental health landscape is fragmented. NHS, charity sector, private providers, peer support, crisis services – it’s hard to know what’s available, let alone what’s right for you.
We provide intelligent signposting through a searchable services directory, referral pathways, and navigation tools.
What this looks like:
- Referral pathway explanations
- Searchable directory of services (by location, type, situation)
- Clear information about what each service offers
- Guidance on choosing the right option
What we don’t do
We’re a navigation and campaigning organisation, not a service provider.
Knowing that support exists isn’t the same as knowing how to access it. We create clear, jargon-free resources that demystify the mental health system.
We don’t:
- Provide therapy or counselling
- Operate a crisis helpline
- Run peer support groups
- Deliver clinical services
We do:
- Connect people to the organisations that provide these services
- Make the support landscape easier to understand
- Campaign for better access and awareness
Why?
Because mental health services need better navigation, not more competition. We work in partnership with service providers to make access easier.
How we work
Peer-focused
We speak to men as peers, not patients. We’ve been there. We get it.
Evidence-informed
Our approach is based on research about what helps men access support – and what gets in the way.
Direct and practical
No jargon. No waffle. We focus on actionable next steps.
Collaborative
We work in partnership with mental health services, charities, and communities. We’re here to connect, not compete.
Accessible by design
Plain language. Mobile-first. Built for the people who need it most.
Why the asterisk?
The asterisk (*) is a universal symbol that says “there’s more to this story” or “see additional information”.
In men’s mental health, this resonates powerfully:
- Men often present one way publicly whilst struggling privately
- Mental health is rarely simple – there’s always nuance
- The asterisk invites people to look deeper
- It’s a subtle signal: “if you’re struggling, there’s more here for you”
Our strapline:
*There’s more to their story.
Who we are
- Legal structure: Community Interest Company (CIC)
- Company number: 17021645
- Incorporated: 9 February 2026
The Asterisk Project is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. This means:
- We’re a social enterprise with a locked social mission
- Any profits are reinvested into our work
- We’re regulated by the CIC Regulator
- We’re accountable to the communities we serve
We plan to transition to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status as we grow.
Work with us
We’re building this movement together.
For mental health services:
Partner with us to improve navigation and access. List your service in our directory. Collaborate on campaigns.
For individuals:
Volunteer, share your story, or support our work.
For organisations:
Fund our work, sponsor campaigns, or co-create resources.
