A NEW group is offering men a chance to meet and share struggles and support in a casual atmosphere.
Emersons Green Brotherhood has been set up by two coaches at Emersons Green Junior Football Club to provide a space away from day-to-day stress, where men can make connections and build new friendships.
Men can play games, chat and talk if they want to, without pressure.
Liam Tizard came up with the idea after having his own issues with mental health in his teens and early 20s, and set up the sessions with fellow coach Matt Plant after being given use of the clubhouse.
Liam said: “This isn’t a substitute for professional help, but rather a place where men can openly share their struggles, connect, support one another, and be guided toward the help they may need.
“It’s not a traditional support group, where you come and sit in a circle and there’s pressure to talk.
“We take a more casual approach – think of it as a youth club for men.
“We go down on Friday with a PlayStation and cards and see who comes along.
“When you’re a kid, you go to youth clubs and don’t really appreciate what they do for you. When you’re an adult there’s the pub, but it isn’t always the best place to go, with the pressure to drink alcohol.
“Here you can talk – if you want to – but don’t have to open up if you’re not ready.
“When I was younger I went through a hard time, and recently I’ve lost a couple of friends to suicide.
“I was already thinking about doing something and realised this was the time to do it.
“We share our experiences with people and tell them whatever they say here, we’re not going to tell anyone else.
“We’ve already helped people out to meet new friends, which is something really positive that they really needed.
“If someone said they needed professional help we would point them in the right direction, rather than trying to offer ourselves.”
Liam and Matt are considering themed events such as a quiz night and barbecue, to add to the variety.
Liam said: “If we put all this effort in and it only helps one person, it’s worth it.”
Sessions take place every other Friday from 6-8pm at Emersons Green Junior Football Club in Blackhorse Lane, and all men are welcome to drop in.
The next ones are on June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22.
For more information on the group email brotherhood@emersonsgreenjunior.co.uk.