Man Up GloucestershireA new group offering free weekly support to help men improve their mental health says its members will “open up and find themselves in a better place”.
MAN UP Gloucestershire is a peer-to-peer support group that provides a safe space for men over the age of 18 to open up.
Group facilitators report that almost half of the men do not discuss their concerns with friends.
“Most of the time, we see physical changes in people since they first appeared,” said group founder Danielle Cox.
Man Up Gloucestershire“They could have been carrying the weight of the world for however long,” he added.
The group recently launched a new session in Prestbury, in addition to its existing bases in Churchdown and Newent.
Cox, a former Army soldier from 2004 to 2011, developed the group based on his own experiences with mental health issues after leaving the military.
He said returning to civilian life was a “huge culture shock.”
Man Up Gloucestershire“It was difficult to adjust to taking care of myself and missing the camaraderie of the team,” he said.
“I know I’m not unique in that. [veterans] Experience the same thing. ”
Over the past five years he has found great value in running MAN UP Gloucestershire.
“We’re not making a dime on this,” he said.
“But what you get from helping others, and what you get from helping yourself, is worth any monetary reward. It gives me the strength to get through another week. He will give it to you.”
“A better place”
The group’s new session coordinator, James Gorton, first joined in 2022 after being recommended by his doctor.
He said the group offers men a judgment-free space to share their experiences with like-minded people.
“Within a few sessions, men start to open up and realize they’re in a better place,” Gorton explained.
Groups provide a basic level of support, but facilitators can also refer participants to other services if additional support is needed.
Women’s group Woman-Up is also available at the GL3 Community Hub in Churchdown.
All groups meet on Tuesday evenings from 19:00 to 21:00 GMT.
