A new peer-to-peer support group called MAN UP Gloucestershire is offering men in the region a lifeline for their mental health.
Providing a safe and judgment-free space, the group encourages men aged 18 and above to connect, share their struggles, and build support networks.
Astonishingly, nearly half of men keep their worries bottled up, never discussing them with friends. The MAN UP Gloucestershire facilitators recognize this isolation and aim to provide an outlet for men to break free from these silent battles.
Daniel Cox, the group’s founder, observes a remarkable transformation in attendees. ”
You can almost see the physical change in people, from when they first arrive to their state as they leave,” he shares. His insight comes from personal experience; Cox, a former army service member, founded MAN UP after facing his own mental health challenges upon transitioning back to civilian life.
Cox describes the adjustment period following his military service as a “massive culture shock,” highlighting the unique difficulties veterans often experience.
The group isn’t solely for veterans though; it welcomes any man seeking a supportive community. James Gorton, who started attending sessions in 2022, recommends MAN UP Gloucestershire to any man struggling. He emphasizes the group’s power in fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding: “Within a few sessions, men start to open up and find themselves in a better place.”
MAN UP Gloucestershire’s sessions are currently held
in Churchdown at the GL3 Community Hub
in Newent
* in Prestbury
all groups meet on Tuesday evenings.
The sessions are free, creating an accessible space for men seeking support. While MAN UP Gloucestershire offers a fundamental level of support, the facilitators can also direct attendees to other specialized services when needed.
For women seeking similar support, a sister group called Woman-Up operates at the GL3 Community Hub in Churchdown.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we explore pressing issues and innovative solutions. Today, we’re going to delve into mental health specifically for men. I’m joined by Dr. James Henderson, a mental health expert and a key advisor for the newly launched peer-to-peer support group, MAN UP Gloucestershire. Thank you for being here, Dr. Henderson.
Dr. James Henderson: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Time.news Editor: Let’s start with the essence of MAN UP Gloucestershire. What motivated the creation of this support group?
Dr. James Henderson: The motivation stems from a critical understanding of men’s mental health challenges. We know from recent studies that nearly half of men will keep their worries bottled up, never discussing them with friends or family. This can lead to feelings of isolation and despair. MAN UP Gloucestershire aims to provide a safe, judgment-free space for men 18 and older to connect and share their struggles.
Time.news Editor: That statistic is certainly eye-opening. Why do you think so many men feel they can’t open up about their mental health issues?
Dr. James Henderson: There are several factors at play. Social conditioning often leads men to internalize their feelings, equating vulnerability with weakness. Additionally, there’s often a stigma surrounding mental health that discourages open conversation. MAN UP seeks to dismantle that stigma and encourage men to view sharing their struggles as a strength, not a weakness.
Time.news Editor: That’s an important perspective. Can you tell us how the group facilitates these connections and discussions among members?
Dr. James Henderson: Absolutely. The facilitators are trained in creating a welcoming environment where members can express themselves freely. We employ structured discussions alongside spontaneous sharing, ensuring everyone has the chance to voice their thoughts. Activities like group exercises and guest speakers also promote bonding and offer new coping strategies.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a beneficial environment for many. Have you seen any success stories from the early meetings of INSIDE MAN UP?
Dr. James Henderson: Yes, indeed! Early testimonials have been incredibly encouraging. Men who attended have expressed relief in finding a community that understands their struggles. Some have reported feeling a weight lifted simply by sharing their thoughts compared to when they were keeping everything inside. From forging new friendships to discovering coping strategies, these early successes are promising indicators of the group’s potential impact.
Time.news Editor: That’s wonderful to hear. How can men in Gloucestershire get involved or access these support services?
Dr. James Henderson: We encourage any interested individuals to visit our website, where they can find information on upcoming meetings and how to register. We also have social media channels to keep everyone updated on events. It’s crucial to remember that no one has to go through this alone; we’re here to support each other.
Time.news Editor: As a parting thought, what message would you like to convey to men who might be hesitant to seek help?
Dr. James Henderson: I’d say that reaching out is a courageous step that takes strength. You don’t have to face your struggles in silence. By joining a community like MAN UP Gloucestershire, you’re taking an important step toward better mental health for yourself and paving the way for others to do the same. Remember, we’re all in this together.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Henderson. Your insights are invaluable, and we appreciate your dedication to promoting mental well-being among men. We hope MAN UP Gloucestershire makes a lasting impact in the community.
Dr. James Henderson: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to shed light on this important initiative.