ON a recent visit to the Golden Square in Warrington, local MP Andy Carter met with volunteers from the Directions for Men team, a support group aimed at supporting men and tackling the stigma of mental health challenges.
Directions For Men provides groups for men to come and talk about issues affecting their mental health, offering support for each other by sharing their own experiences and how they were able to overcome their struggles.
By running peer support groups as well as other activities, Directions for Men create a safe space for men who are struggling to enable them to meet new friends, share a cup of tea and a chat with absolutely no pressure on how much or little a group member wishes to share.
Male suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 and the group are working to reduce signpost and support anyone who needs a listening ear.
At the 2024 Cheshire Community ReAwards, Directions for Men had their efforts recognised when they became the recipients of the Charity Group of the Year (over 50 volunteers) Award.
Mr Carter said: “It was an absolute pleasure to chat with the lads from Directions For Men in the Golden Square, hearing about the support they offer to guys of any age and background in Warrington. They’ve all been through tough times and use their own experiences to help others.
“Opening up and talking about issues really matters, and this group are literally lifesavers, there for anyone who needs a listening ear. They also organise things to take your mind off those worries which often seem much bigger than they really are.
“While they’re all too modest to talk about their recent recognition at the Cheshire Community ReAwards, I think they should be really proud of being recognised as the Charity Group of the Year for the work they’ve done to extend an offer of friendship and kindness to other men who need some help with their mental health.”
You can learn more about the work of Directions for Men by visiting their website: https://www.directionsformen.org.uk/
