Men’s Mental Health Group

Men’s Mental Health Group – St Helens
Tuesdays 10.00am – 12.00pm

At Apex Trust, we introduced a new social group which launched in July 2023. Known as our men’s brunch club, which is for men who experience mental health, we launched the men’s mental health group after men we were supporting on a 1-1 basis told us how much they struggle with mental health, and how they find there are few places local they know where to go to.

Loneliness is a big problem in our society and it can aggravate mental health issues. Human beings are social animals and need each other’s company whether they realise it or not. Anything that can get people together in a safe and supportive environment and hopefully start new friendships is good, and our men’s group does exactly this.

The project idea was modelled on our Women’s hub factoring in different activities. Having been successful in securing funding to deliver this group, the group has gone from strength to strength and is run every Tuesday morning with an average of 6-8 men attending each week.

We know the group makes a difference as the men tell us they rarely leave the house, so coming to the group gives them a purpose to get up and out of the house, many have formed friendships which they haven’t got, but the key point is that they sit and chat and as we know, men don’t open up as easily as women.

Feedback from the men’s group on how it has helped them includes:

“The group gives me a better outlook on life as the team has helped me with the problems I had.”

“Before attending the group I would struggle to leave my flat. Since coming to the group, I have the confidence to leave the flat, socialise with others, and with the group. I don’t feel as isolated as I did, and my mental health has improved.”

“The staff at PlanBee encourage us to try new things and although arts and crafts are not for me, I do take their point and put this into practice in my personal life. All things considered, I think PlanBee do a good job and I would recommend the men’s group to other people.”

The staff at PlanBee can, if needed, give advice and help with things such as social security benefits, housing, and employment. Staff can also help people get counselling if they feel they need it. We also encourage men to try new things.

To find out more contact Diane or Hannah on 01744 612898.