78% of UK suicide deaths are men. Yet only 38% of mental health service referrals are for men.
That gap isn’t because men don’t struggle. It’s because the system doesn’t work for them.
Today, we’re launching The Asterisk Project – dedicated to changing that.
What we do
We help men navigate mental health support through three approaches:
Campaigning
We challenge stigma, advocate for better services, and change how men’s mental health is talked about. Because awareness campaigns that say “it’s okay to talk” aren’t enough if men don’t know what to do next.
Resources
We create practical, jargon-free guides that answer “what do I actually do?” From talking to your GP to supporting someone who’s struggling, we focus on action over platitudes.
Navigation
Mental health services are confusing. We provide intelligent signposting to help men find the right support for their situation and location.
Why we’re needed
Men face specific barriers to accessing mental health support:
- Pressure to appear strong and self-reliant
- Difficulty articulating emotional distress
- Services that feel designed for women
- Lack of clear information about what help is available
- Confusion about how to access support
Existing services do important work. But there’s a gap in navigation—helping men understand their options and find the right door to knock on.
That’s what we do.
What makes us different
We talk to men as peers, not patients.
No clinical jargon. No wellness clichés. Just direct, honest, practical guidance from people who get it.
We’re evidence-informed.
Our approach is based on research about what actually helps men seek support—and what gets in the way.
We navigate, we don’t deliver.
We’re not a therapy service or crisis helpline. We connect men to the organisations that provide direct support.
We campaign for change.
Signposting isn’t enough. We’re working to shift the conversation and push for services that work for men.
What’s launching now
Our website is live today with:
- Get Support page – clear guidance on NHS pathways, therapy options, crisis contacts, and how to support someone else
- About page – who we are, what we do, and why we’re doing it
- Get Involved page – ways to volunteer, partner, fund, or bring us into your workplace
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be adding:
- Resources library – downloadable guides on topics like talking to your GP, understanding therapy types, and navigating waiting lists
- Services directory – searchable database of mental health support across the UK, filtered by location and need
- Insights blog – practical articles, lived experience stories, and updates on what’s changing in men’s mental health
What you can do
If you’re struggling or worried about someone:
Visit our Get Support page for immediate options and clear next steps.
If you work in mental health:
We don’t compete with services—we connect people to them. Get in touch if you’d like to partner with us.
If you want to support our work:
We’re a purpose-led organisation reinvesting everything into our mission. Find out how to get involved.
Why “Asterisk”?
The asterisk symbol (*) means “there’s more to this story.”
When you see a man struggling, there’s context you don’t see. When you hear the statistic that 78% of suicides are men, there’s a bigger picture behind it. And when someone says “I’m fine,” there’s often more going on.
Our strapline is *There’s more to their story.
Because there always is.
Need support now?
If you’re in crisis or need immediate help:
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily)
- Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7)
- Emergency: 999 or visit A&E
Visit our Get Support page for more options.