A month-long series of events supported by an award-winning men’s mental health service is featuring in Bolton.
The Bolton Manbassadors, a project led by the borough’s biggest housing provider Be One Homes, will be aiming to encourage men to talk openly about their mental health.
Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope started on World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 and will run until World Mental Health Day on October 10.
Greater Manchester Manbassadors programme community development officer Rowan Ardill said: “The Month of Hope is so important.
“As a project which exists to try and support men with their mental wellbeing and prevent suicides, we are proud to support it.
“Parkrun is a natural fit with what Manbassadors is all about.
“It allows us to get outside and connect with people in a relaxed, informal environment where there is no pressure to run or speak about anything you don’t want to.
“As well as the parkruns, we have been busy supporting Better Days Bolton’s Open Day, the University of Greater Manchester’s Wellness Event and the Month of Hope event at Bolton Railway Station with Let's Keep Bolton Moving.
“We are looking forward to the rest of the month as we continue to meet people, showcase the work we are doing to support men’s mental health, all alongside our amazing partners who are making a real difference within our communities.”
The programme is being delivered as part of the Shining a Light on Suicide campaign and supports the Greater Manchester Suicide Prevention Strategy.
September 12 saw Bolton Manbassadors come to parkrun to highlight the positive impact that connection, conversation, physical activity and community can have on mental health.
There was no obligation to run the event, with many people opting to walk the course together and enjoy the chance to connect with others.
Bolton Manbassadors say they will be returning to Bolton parkrun to round off the Month of Hope on Saturday October 10.
Aden, who has been supported by Bolton Manbassadors, has started volunteering at Bolton parkrun since being introduced to the weekly event during the Month of Hope.
He said: “My life has been completely transformed since I discovered Manbassadors - for the first time I feel good about supporting other people, seeing the best in them and motivating them.
“This mindset has helped me immensely. I volunteered at parkrun for the first time last week and I am going to keep going back as often as I can.”
The project is part of the Greater Manchester Manbassadors programme, which is supported by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Last month, it launched a new community space, The Living Room, in Little Lever, designed to help men socialise and talk freely about mental health issues.
Situated at The Haven community centre between Arthur Street and Independent Street, it is the project’s first permanent location to provide support.
Men can drop in whenever they wish and speak to members of the Manbassadors project team.
The informal setting features darts and table tennis facilities.
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