'Big boys don't cry is a load of rubbish'

A new weekly drop-in session, MindKind, was launched a month ago at The Electric Church, a record shop and cafe on Over Square in Winsford.

Men can just turn up, listen to their favourite tunes and talk to each other.

This unique project is already empowering men to conquer their fears, relax and unwind.

Musician Graham Cawley and veteran Alex Bates, from Winsford, came up with the idea after experiencing mental health issues themselves and feeling cut off and isolated.

"I have suffered from depression and high-functioning anxiety for 20 odd years," said music teacher and former Winsford town Cllr Graham. "This is a place where a bunch of blokes can listen to good old fashioned music, put the world to rights, chat and chill.

"It's not a support group, we don't do counselling but we support each other. If someone says 'I've had a bad day', everyone else can turn round and say 'I know you you feel, mate.' We've all been there and done that."

Jane Spruce, a community development worker in Winsford, with musician Graham Cawley, who suggested setting up the group

MindKind is free and runs every Wednesday from 12.30pm to 2pm.

"The highest killer of men under 45 is suicide, " said Graham. "It beats cancer and heart attack. This is something that needs to be dealt with. If we can get people who don't feel like going out to drag themselves out of bed, enjoy good food, good music, good company and actually have fun, we have succeeded.

"Big boys don't cry is a load of rubbish."

Jane Spruce, a community development worker in Winsford for Cheshire West Community Together, helped to set up the group, after Graham and Alex approached her separately.

Jane said: "They are both really passionate about mental health. They just feel there is not enough support for men in Winsford.

"Alex is a veteran and has experienced a lot of trauma in his role in the Royal Navy. Graham has had his own mental health issues.

"This group is driven by men and that's what makes it very successful. It is run by residents who are not mental health specialists. They are hitting the nerve of what men want.

"We are reaching out to men with any mental health issues and problems as well as veterans.We want them all to come along, they are not going to be judged."

Music playing in the background as men talk and listen to each other means there are no awkward silences.

"It's really informal, a bit like a social club," said Jane. "They can talk about things they can't say to the family.

"Some men open up and talk about how they are feeling, others just listen. It is very chilled.

"There is so much encouragement and support. Men are with people who understand what they're going through.

"One of the guys said it was like going to the pub with mates but instead of drinking beer they are drinking tea and coffee."

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Jane hopes to set up a similar group for women with mental health issues in the coming weeks, after being approached by some ladies who suffer from anxiety and depression.

For further details about the men's and women's groups, call Jane on 07794 079626.