Men’s Mental Health Month shines a light on issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide prevention. It promotes the importance of speaking openly about health, seeking support early, and looking after both mind and body.
For many young cadets and adult volunteers in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), this month offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and deepen our understanding of mental health and resilience.
The CCF remains committed to supporting all of our people, helping them build confidence, develop coping strategies, and to make sure that they know that they are never alone — no matter where they are on their journey.
As a Cadet navigating your teenage years or an adult shaping the experiences of others, your health matters. Your voice matters. And your struggles deserve to be heard.
Voices of Experience: “If I knew then what I know now…”
The CCF reached out to friends and members of our community to see what advice they wish they had heard as a teenager.
Some are gentle reminders, others bold affirmations, but all are rooted in lived experience and hope.
We share these quotes not just to reflect on the past, but to help you navigate what lies ahead. November is Men’s Mental Health Month, so let these quotes act as a compass for when things start to feel cloudy. Let them remind you: you’re never alone on this journey:
"Keep on being you - not someone that you think other people want you to be - people actually prefer a genuinely real person!! Its kinda like saying don’t try and fit the mould!”
- Keith Walters, (Retd) Lt Col, Healthy Minds
“Learn more, everything you learn will be useful later. Knowing less about anything is never an advantage.”
- Col Neil Jurd OBE, Author of the Leadership Book.
"Before you make future major decisions in life always consult your cadet values and standards and you won't go far wrong"
- Former Irish Guards officer
Healthy Minds: Support Within The CCF
The Healthy Minds Project has been developed to reduce stigma, encourage openness, and ensure that every cadet and volunteer feels supported. We are an inclusive organisation, and while our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) are not trained mental health professionals, they are committed to listening, caring, and guiding cadets toward the appropriate help if needed.
We are proud to promote KOOTH, a free, safe, and anonymous online mental health service available to young people who need someone to talk to — anytime, anywhere.
Additionally, CCFA in partnership with Care First offers 24/7 confidential support for all adult volunteers and their immediate families. Your wellbeing matters, both in your CCF role and beyond.
You Are Never Alone
Whether you are a cadet or a volunteer:
You are valued.
You are part of a team.
And there is always support available.
This month, and every month, we encourage you to talk, listen, check in, and look after yourself and each other.
Don't forget the options available to you:
Adult volunteers, when needed please remember you have access to Care First, details to access are found on the resource centre, this is offered through the generous support of CCFA.
Cadets you have free access to Kooth – please click here to learn more.
Together, we move forward — stronger.