HELPING MEN TO IMPROVE THEIR MENTAL HEALTH - MEN'S SPACE AT ST OSWALD'S CHURCH

Why change was needed

Tile Hill is one of Coventry’s most deprived areas, with a high number of men experiencing unemployment due to long-term physical and mental health conditions.

Many were facing multiple disadvantages at once: poverty, isolation, chronic illness and a lack of connection to local services. These issues placed them at greater risk of crisis, including poor mental health, addiction and suicide.

Despite clear need, many men faced barriers in engaging with community activities or seeking help from services. Several reported missing routine, confidence and purpose in their daily lives, while others lacked the resources to access social opportunities, warm spaces or nutritious meals. Many felt lonely, disconnected, and unaware of where to go for support.

What we did

The Men’s Space project at St Oswald’s Church was developed in response to these challenges. The project was funded by the Mental Health Inequalities Fund, which was funding that was ringfenced by the NHS within the Mental Health Investment Standard to address health inequalities faced by local populations.

The group meets every Wednesday between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, and its purpose is to create a safe, welcoming community where men can build friendships, access meaningful activities, talk openly about their wellbeing, and be signposted to additional support. The project seeks to directly address health inequalities by offering free, inclusive opportunities tailored to local men facing complex and often overlapping difficulties.

The primary way the project supports people is through meaningful weekly activity sessions that allow men to come together on a regular basis to build their confidence, give them a sense of purpose, encourage them to express themselves and connect with one another. These sessions include activities such as art, poetry, gardening, sports, games and cooking.

There are also regular workshops that are delivered to the group that focus on key areas such as mental health, nutrition and stress management. Some of these sessions are led by guest speakers, but others are led by men who attend the group – offering them a way to share their skills with one another whilst also building the confidence and giving them pride and ownership over the group’s activities.

A key focus of some of the group sessions has been cooking and healthy eating. Around 30 men have engaged in cooking sessions to help them improve their confidence and skills in cooking, help them with budgeting and support them with understanding nutrition. There have also been shared meals where the group comes together to eat, these are particularly important for those facing financial hardship, offering dignity, warmth and routine.

The project has also organised a number of trips and outings for the men to go on together. Visits have included Cadbury’s World, Black Country Museum, Warwick Castle, canal boat rides, spas, bowling alleys and trips to the theatre. As well as helping the men bond, these experiences have been opportunities to do things they wanted to but may never have been able to without the help from the project.

Involving the men in the design and delivery of the group has been key to its success, with regular debriefs with volunteers and the facilitator after each session allowing the project to document what worked, identify challenges, and adapt responsively.

What impact has the group had?

The group has proved extremely popular. It began with just 5 members, and the success of the group has seen it grown massively, with there now being 70 men on the books and approximately 15 attending each week.

The difference in the men who attend has been noticeable, with many showing improved confidence and reporting that the group has helped them with their mental health and wellbeing. Some of the men now also meet up outside of the planned sessions, demonstrating the meaningful connections that have been formed between them.

Men who attend the group have also been signposted to additional support, with 30 men having been recorded as signposted to help they can receive from other organisations for issues such as financial wellbeing, food and addiction services, all of which reduce the risk factors associated with mental ill health.

Groups like Men’s Space are vital in improving both the physical and mental health of the men who attend. Attending these groups and receiving the support offered can mean their issues are identified and addressed earlier, preventing them from needing more intensive or complex support. This reduces pressure on other services, such as primary care, mental health services or emergency services.

Men who attend the group have given excellent feedback of their experience. Some of the quotes include:

• “This group gives me something to look forward to each week. Theres always a friendly face, a good cuppa and something fun to do.”
• “I didn’t know where to start getting help. Last week we went through the Stress Bucket activity and I realised I’m often stressed about money. I’ve never really spoken about it before but even recognising the issues has meant I don’t feel so alone.”
• “Every so often they organise the barber to come in. I do neglect myself and struggle to save up and go regularly. After Darren comes in, I feel myself again! I always get compliments off the other fellas and facilitators which is nice.”
• “I have good days and bad. If I’m feeling ‘meh’ coming to this group helps me to remember that somebody cares!”

What’s next

Funding has been secured for a new “Cook and Connect” course, with 80% of Men’s Space members expressing interest. This programme will deepen life skills, social connection and confidence around healthy living.

Unfortunately, the funding for the group comes to an end at the end of the year. St Oswald’s Church are planning to host a grassroots version of Men’s Space throughout January and February to ensure there is no abrupt stop in support, ensuring their mental wellbeing is protected as much as possible. The project is currently exploring funding options that would enable them to keep the group going and even expand so they can help more men.

 

Watch - Men's Space video