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Local men, local stories
Local men are using their personal stories of overcoming life’s challenges to help others feel less alone in their own struggles. Sharing stories of what happened to them and what helped them get back to a better place will hopefully show others there are practical steps they can take to overcome similar problems they may be facing.
Whether that’s trying some practical ways known to improve men’s mental health or accessing specific support to help them get back on their feet.
Barry – Halton Champion
I’ve had a really good response to the video, I can’t believe how many people have come up to me and said that they’ve gone through something similar.
It just shows that speaking out definitely works, ‘cos people have actually come up to me and told me their own struggles. So by watching our videos men are starting to talk about their own struggles and know it’s nothing to be ashamed about.
So just in the short time the video has been out, it’s started to work, which is why I volunteered to tell my story. It makes me feel very proud in what I’ve achieved.
Talking was the first step on their road to recovery
All of the stories have one thing in common – that all the men felt at some point they would be judged by others for talking about their mental health. That it’s not something men should talk about. But each one took that first step to confide in someone – a partner, a friend or a health professional – and began to talk about how they felt.
Ged’s Story
Ged found himself in a dark place when excessive drinking and binge eating caused his weight to rocket. He decided to do something about it. He started walking, taking each step at a time. Not only did this lead to loosing weight but also made him feel much better within himself. Listen to his story here.
Jeff’s Story
Jeff’s story is a powerful reminder of how the shock and stress of losing a family member to suicide can be a traumatic experience that can leave a lasting impact on how you think and feel. This tragedy made him realise that there are so many men struggling alone. He now makes it his mission to be open and honest about how he is feeling and encourages others to do the same.
Brian’s Story
Brian’s story is a great example of how many men feel when their children grow up and leave the nest. They may feel like they have lost their purpose and are no longer needed. This can be a difficult time for men who have spent most of their lives taking care of their families and children. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Many men experience similar feelings and emotions.
Brian decided to take action and founded the men’s walking group – Thrive to help others who are struggling like him. See his story here.
Sean’s Story
Sean’s mental health took a blow when he suffered a serious injury playing sport. Being unable to work or do any of the things he used to had a profound impact on his mental health.
In his video, he tells us how his love of cooking and keeping physically healthy has helped him keep emotionally well as he recovered physically.
Barry’s Story
Like many men, Barry spent a long time not talking about how he felt, but after a crisis, he began to open up to his family and friends about how he was feeling.
Being the one who was usually making everyone laugh it wasn’t an easy step, but now he feels he can talk about his story to anyone and in turn, help them.
Lee’s Story
In his video, Lee talks about how the premature birth of his twins in 2015 impacted on his mental health and how he coped with the expectation to be strong and the ‘rock’ for his family.
Tom’s Story
Tom’s story shows that mental health issues can go undiagnosed for many years.
From childhood. In his video, Tom talks about how his mental health affected his day to day life and what he does to help him stay healthy now.
Want to get involved?
Have you struggled with your mental health?
Do you have a story to share which can give others hope things can get better?
Our champions don’t have to have a mental health diagnosis
– but they have lived a variety of challenges that have affected their mental health
– and have found ways to deal with those challenges and improve their mental health and wellbeing.
You can get involved by:
– Share your story
– Being part of a local steering group that helps shape the campaign
To find out more contact
Halton Health Improvement Team
- Tel: 0300 029 0029
- Fax: 0151 511 6364
- Email: HIT@halton.gov.uk
For more ideas on what you can do to help yourself, see our what you can do page
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