Sign up for a spot of man talk

MEN are being urged to boost their mental health by getting things off their chest.

Encouraging men to talk about their feelings is the theme of an open day which will be run by mental health charity Mind in Oldham on Friday.

Workers at the charity say everyone can feel low, and anyone can have a mental health problem, and talking about it can be the first step to getting help.

The event will have volunteers on hand to lend a listening ear and to hand out information on services available.

The open day will also be used to collect thoughts and ideas about a new Mind Wellbeing Centre planned for the town.

Oldham Service User Gary Rowbottom gave an insight into how talking and having an independent mental health advocate to hand has helped him.

He said: “There has been a lot of bad feeling and stigma because of the closure of services but with the help of my advocate I was able to speak to people at the top and get things moving.

“It’s hard for a man to talk about his feelings because I didn’t feel I was being taken seriously.

“I’ve been a macho man in my day and worn the t-shirt, but getting someone to help me voice my rights has helped.”

He said of his advocate: “She is understanding, caring and supportive — on a level ground with me, and I’ve not felt up against walls.

“It’s a very similar scene for men on the health front. In general, there is a lack of self-care and awareness about good health and wellbeing.”

Gary said about current services: “It’s getting better but services have got be to more user-led. Get yourself down to the Open Day to find out more about what Mind is doing in this area.”

Fozia Amin, manager at the Oldham services of Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind said ‘We are keen to promote mental health wellbeing to all people.”

The Open Day runs from 10.30am until 3.30pm, is open to everyone, and light refreshments will be provided.

Fozia adds: "The Oldham service is based at The Lodge, 6 Hunters Lane, Oldham, OL1 1QU. Our number is 0161 620 0123 and you can call between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Have a look at our website on www.oldham-mind.org. "