Back in November 2020 a good friend took his own life, unfortunately he wasn't the first and hasn't been the last to end his life by su***de. In our small community su***de has affected so many people so 5 of us got together and decided although it was away out or comfort zones that we would try and do something if we could. The idea of Mantalk was born and we had no clue if it would take off but we were going to try. Due to restrictions our first starting point would be just walking and talking. We were all set to go in March when we were hit by another su***de, my brother and I had to cut our older brother down from where he hanged himself. That threw me and put me in a position where I didn't know whether to push on with Mantalk, in the end I did. We found that sometimes if we are walking the men don't get enough time to share and speak about any issues they have so our Tuesday are now all in the club have a seat and blether. Mantalk has grown not just with the men that have came through the door but also with the support we receive from the community. We thank each and every one of you all for that. Our simple aim is to normalise men talking about everything from how their day has been right through to wanting to end their own lives. We find when men share their life experiences that others listen then learn they are not alone and then finding the courage to open up more. we know this works as we witness it first-hand regularly. Obviously there will be some reservations and men not knowing if the group will be for them but what i would say is you'll never know until you try. It has helped so many so what have you got to lose. We have heard that because we are in a boxing gym that that may be off putting, the gym is solely because we have space and because Proctors and Wellmeadow Abc have both kindly allowed us to use their facilities so don't let that put you off either. You don't have to be struggling to come along, you don't have to be suicidal, have addictions or any problems at all. You don't have to talk, you don't have to share. Our group is very welcoming and we will try and make you feel as comfortable as possible because we know the first step can be very hard. Tuesday 6.30pm at Proctors gym, Wellmeadow ABC, The Haugh, Ashgrove road, PH10 7ER (on the corner of the main road you will see Proctors sign, go through the pillars and you'll see the gym at the back)
Additionally, we do Walks and Chats for Men on Thursdays at 6.30pm, meeting at the Victoria Hotel, Lower Mill Street, Blairgowrie. Come along, even if you don't attend the Group Night on a Tuesday. You are more than welcome....
