"Talk, don’t bottle it up and don’t think that there isn’t another solution, there are." That’s from Karl Hart who runs the Men Only 'Walk and Talk' group.
It is a chance for men of all ages to come along and open up to others - who may be struggling with their mental health.
You can bring your wife or girlfriend, children, dog or anyone else you might want to bring.
The event is to raise awareness of men’s mental health and is a chance for you to talk, walk and make new friends.
Karl Hart, Director of Ryde-based Umbrella Hub, which is behind the idea, told Isle of Wight Radio:
“Men Only was born out of my concern about the fact men’s mental health appeared to be getting quite overlooked, especially during COVID.
“A lot of men suffer from mental health challenges, depression, suicidal thoughts and tend to turn to drink or drugs and there isn't the support out there for them - we are principally told to man up and sort ourselves out.
“As a result of that and seeing the rising numbers of suicides amongst men especially here in Ryde which has 20 per cent of the total number of suicides on the Island - which is incredibly high - we decided to put together Men Only.”
Karl added there is a specific age group where more men seem to be affected, which is those in their late 30s and early 60s - as they experience divorce or job loss.
But there is also data to suggest men in their 20s and early 30s are struggling at this particular time, he says.
Aspire Ryde has also teamed up with Men Only for an initiative called “Sat a Dads” where the charity will open up on Saturday mornings for Dads to come along with their children.
Karl added:
“The kids can come along and play and Dads can get together and have a chat. We are also doing a community service project where we will be volunteering around Ryde, Seaview, Bembridge and Nettlestone. There are lots coming up.”
Men over the age of 18 are invited to come to Puckpool Park, Seaview at 2pm on Sunday 5 September.
Walk and Talks will take place every two weeks.
Find out more about the group here https://www.menonlyiow.co.uk/
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