A MENTAL health charity group has revealed it has supported hundreds of men in Tameside since setting up.
Hyde as a town is still mourning the loss of world champion boxer Ricky Hatton, as the thousands of people who lined the streets as his funeral cortege wound through the town showed.
And Mentell, which hods sessions at The Grafton Centre, has told of the impact those sessions – led by trained facilitators – have had.
More than 300 men from Tameside, 43 per cent of whom come from Hyde, have signed up for support.
Upwards of 400 care partners – including GPs, social prescribers and mental health professionals) now refer into Mentell.
And over 100 local businesses in Tameside have joined the cause’s Turn Your Bar Blue campaign, including more than 60 in Hyde following the town icon’s tragic passing at the age of 46.
Members of the group, who remain anonymous, told of their fondness of just being able to speak.
Comments include: “Really welcoming and friendly. Felt accepted the moment I arrived. Great facilitator too. Definitely coming back, thanks.”
“I loved being able to speak openly and honestly in a group and knowing I wouldn’t be judged massively helped.
“I’ve also gone back to work, which I haven’t done for a few weeks. I’m already looking forward to next week’s group.”
“It was excellent and the session felt like it should do. Everyone expressing their feelings, it brought home how much these groups are needed.”
Mentell came to Hyde in 2018, with groups quietly supporting the men of the community by providing a free, safe space every Monday night from 7pm until 9pm.
The attitude at The Grafton Centre, on Grafton Street is, ‘no pressure, no judgment and no waiting list.’
For those who cannot get there in person, an online group also takes place at the same time.
A spokesperson said: “As awareness of men’s mental health grows locally, we feel it’s time to reintroduce ourselves and step forward as part of that conversation.
“We’ve seen first-hand the power of community in helping men open up.
“And with so many brilliant initiatives emerging in the area recently, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the collective effort, while reminding people that Mentell has been here, week in and week out, for more than six years.”
Signing up to Mentell is completely free, confidential, and open to any man aged over.
All they need to do is sign up at www.mentell.org.uk/signup.