Men are being urged to join a mental health peer-to-peer support group that runs on Wednesdays at Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery.
Tough Enough To Care is free to join for men in Sandwell aged 18 and over. The group meets every Wednesday evening, from 7pm-9pm, for a sit down, a cuppa and a biscuit while men discuss their mental health and support one another.
Taking steps to maintain and improve your mental health – such as joining a support group like Tough Enough To Care – can have a positive impact on your general health and wellbeing.
Alex Howell, lead facilitator for the Wednesbury group, said: “You get a friendly welcome with a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. There’s no obligation to talk, other than to say ‘hello’. And you can leave if you feel that it’s not right for you. It’s an opportunity to not only get support but to give it as well: it might just help you, and will definitely help others.
“We have been running the group now for one month and members are already seeing a change in their lives due to the group.”
Richard (not his real name) attends the group. He said: “It’s thanks to this group that I get up in the day. Since coming I have now joined a community walking group and next week I’m joining a voluntary gardening group.
“Before coming to this group I had nothing, and it was getting more and more difficult to get out there, meet people and feel better about myself.”
Dr Lisa McNally, Sandwell’s director of public health, said: “Maintaining good mental health throughout life is one of Sandwell Council’s key priorities for our residents. We want people to live well for longer.
“These Tough Enough To Care meetings provide fantastic support to men who may be going through a difficult time, or provide a space for someone who just wants to chat without being judged. It’s an opportunity not only to receive support but to give it, too.”
Tough Enough To Care meets every Wednesday evening at Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery, Holyhead Road, Wednesbury WS10 7DF, 7pm-9pm. It is supported by the PHE Prevention and Promotion of Better Mental Health Funding.
