A MENTAL health support group which has helped thousands of men in Warrington and across the north west is to launch a powerful new podcast series.
Founded by Orford best friends Sam Driscoll and Terence Evans, Man Talk is a free place for men to talk about their mental health struggles and meet others in similar situations.
Having both experienced the mental health system, the friends felt the need to establish a more informal and regular space where men can listen to others and speak out themselves.
After a successful 12 months, the group has gained a good social media following, has launched its new website and is partnering with businesses in the region to spread its message.
“Terrance and I set the group up as there wasn’t really anywhere for men to share their thoughts and have that peer support if they were struggling with their mental health,” Sam said.
Orford friends Sam Driscoll and Terrance Evans founded Man Talk last year
“We thought we would only have a couple of guys, but within a few months it went to 1,200 or 1,300 men, and it has grown quite quickly from there.
“We are mainly a peer support group which offers a safe space for guys to open up and share both positive and negative experiences with the mental health system and things they have done themselves to help.
“It was surprising but encouraging that so many men would open up and speak out about mental health and put their arm around other guys.
“There are also guys in the group who don’t suffer from mental health issues, but they go to the group because they can offer something.
“Our aim is to not be needed because everyone is in a great place, but it is remarkable to see how many people are suffering and didn’t have anywhere to speak out before the group started.”
The next step in the group’s progression is the launch of the ‘Manhood’ podcast later this year, which will focus on a range of topics affecting mental health.
This was made possible thanks to Daresbury-based pharmaceutical company Fox Group, which donated its media marketing team during lockdown and the relevant podcast equipment.
Man Talk posters which Sam hopes will be placed in pub toilets around the town
“Manhood is basically a mental health podcast dealing with topics such as stress, anxiety, illnesses, bereavement, PTSD, racism and more,” Sam continued.
“We have got the series written and are in the process of approaching guests, with the aim to begin in September or October via the website and usual podcast hosts.
“We also want businesses to offer what we do to their staff, so we approached a number of businesses with our posters.
“Royal Mail has put them up in its distribution centres in the north west, and Gripz sports clothing run by Joe Philbin has supported us by putting our links on its website.”
For more information about Man Talk, links to mental health services and free downloads to help improve mental health, visit man-talk.co.uk
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, when people across the country come together to ensure that help is available to those who need it.
A number of events have been organised across Warrington, with more details available here.
If you are struggling to cope and need support, information about a wide range of local and national mental health support services can be found at happyoksad.org.uk
For Warrington residents needing urgent mental health support, the Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24/7 on 0800 051 1508.
Find out more information on Mental Health Awareness Week via mentalhealth.org.uk
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