So Friday the 13th. Said to be an unlucky day for some but for us it was an exciting day as we held our first ever meet up for MENTALITY men’s group.
Somewhere down the road, we stopped enjoying life. Thats the harsh reality for some men who struggle to talk about their mental health issues, leading to 75% of all suicides being carried out by men in the UK.
Beyond my work in schools, I also run a secondary business as a life coach—a journey inspired by my personal story. After experiencing my third epileptic seizure in December 2018, my life took a dramatic turn. I suffered a deep depression and found myself in a dark place. However, instead of letting it hold me back, I was able to seek help and turned this life-altering moment into an opportunity for growth. Today, I share my experiences to inspire and support others in navigating their own challenges.
Drawing on my own experiences and my work with both teenagers and adults, I created the MENTALITY men’s group, a supportive meet-up that combines light exercise, movement, and open conversation. It’s a space where men can connect, talk freely, and support one another in a relaxed, judgment-free environment. I’m also fortunate to be based in the beautiful Brontë Country in West Yorkshire, where the natural surroundings offer a calming, restorative backdrop for each session.
The conversation first begins on WhatsApp where we have a dedicated group for everyone to meet and chat before the Friday sessions, taking away that initial fear and awkwardness of meeting for the first time.
The first meet up was a great success with 6 men of varying ages joining the session (and 2 dogs)! We started the walk from Haworth main street to Bronte waterfalls and looped back. The walk itself isn’t strenuous but it is peaceful, allowing space for the group to converse and talk about themselves. But it’s not just about talking, it’s about planned group activities that we can all look forward to and have something to strive towards.
As a fully qualified counsellor and life coach, I’ve supported a wide range of individuals in making meaningful changes in their lives. One thing I’ve learned is just how powerful our environment can be in influencing personal growth. This belief shapes my work, particularly in using sport, movement, and physical activity as tools for change. While a 1-to-1 Zoom session can be effective, there are times when stepping out of a closed-in space and into a new, active environment can create the mental shift needed for real progress.
We are on our second meet-up now and my hope is that this will become a regular and growing group in the region where we can continue to enjoy life together, grow a supportive friendship group and help more men talk about their issues and learn how to improve their mental state.
I will be posting all upcoming events on my Facebook page. If you are feeling alone, stressed, anxious or just want to get out of the house and meet likeminded men for fun activities, please get in touch or join us on our next session.
