ManHealth run peer support groups in and around County Durham and the North East of England. Peer support takes place when people with experience of poor mental health support each other towards better wellbeing, as people of equal value and on a reciprocal basis, using their own lived experience as a tool for support.

ManHealth know we cannot fix people's problems we cannot know what is right for our men. We endeavour to empower our men to do a great deal of self-healing. Our relationship with our men is focused on congruence, empathy and an unconditional positive regard. The model we use encourages them to move forward, set new goals, do things and develop relationships that give their lives meaning.

The 5 key components of our model.

Connect: With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

Change: Try a new diet. Change your routine. Reduce your stress

Community: Do something positive. Help someone or volunteer

Commit: Do some exercise that suits your level of fitness. Fresh air and sunlight are important, and could help with sleep

Challenge: Try something new or rediscover an old interest

Group Sessions

ManHealth knows from experience that peer support can help men to take huge strides forward in their recovery. Men who have experienced poor mental health can offer privileged insight and understanding, and draw on their own experiences to help other men. The support men give can be an extremely effective and complement support given by mental health professionals, or provide a lifeline to those for whom traditional mental health support has not worked.

Talking to people who have been through similar challenges may:

• help you to talk about what you are feeling and experiencing
• help you share suggestions for coping techniques and support options
• introduce you to ideas and approaches that have been helpful to others
• reassure you that you're not the only person who has felt like this
• increase your self-esteem and confidence over time help you see how common mental health problems are, and that everyone experiencing them deserves support
• provide a sense of belonging to a community of people with similar experiences
• give you a safety net to turn to at difficult times or if you’re at risk of crisis
• help you to find support that's right for you
• help you feel more empowered about your own wellbeing, if you feel disillusioned with the support you've received so far

People with lived experience of poor mental health play the lead role in developing our approach to peer support, including designing and delivering peer support training, and developing ways that peer support works in practice.

ManHealth has also worked alongside service users to create more “formal” peer support opportunities within our services. This means that we train people to act as Peer Supporters and provide the infrastructure they need to deliver this support safely and confidently. This includes supervision and support from a Peer Support Coordinator who themselves has experience of mental distress. Please speak to one of our staff if you would like to discuss this opportunity with ManHealth.