Minds for Men - Hartlepool charity launches support for people struggling with mental health

Pictured at the launch of MINDS FOR MEN are Sacha Bedding, left, from The Annexe, Martin Connelly from The Stags and Micky Day from Miles for Men.

Miles for Men unveiled a new branch of the cause called Minds For Men.

Founder Micky Day described it as ‘support during a time when there has been a rise in mental health issues over the last 18 months’.

He added: “Hopefully we can work with many other groups for Hartlepool and make sure that people can come forward.”

The logo for the new MINDS FOR MEN group in Hartlepool.

More details on how people can get in touch with Minds For Men will be on the way in the weeks to come, with restrictions on how much Minds For Men can do because of the coronavirus.

Yesterday’s launch was to inform the public that support will be on the way and that will be through hubs, arts and craft groups, music groups, and a contact phone line.

Micky also pointed out: “It is not just for men either. If women want to be a part of it, we shall be addressing that in the future as well.”

The charity hopes to work with groups all over the town but The Annexe is already working alongside Minds For Men on the new initiative.

Sacha Bedding, Manager of The Annexe, said: “Minds For Men are working with us as they know there are people in very difficult circumstances and believe that we have some great ideas to help.

“They are in for the long term with us and they will make sure that we benefit from all the other organisations they are working with nationally as well as locally.”

Micky added: “Sacha and the team at The Annexe never shout about what they do as they always say it is not about them, it is the people of Hartlepool, but we could not have done this without them.”

More details will be revealed of Minds For Men in the coming weeks but Micky added: “Bear with us for the time being through these difficult circumstances. It’s not perfect but it is good. In the near future, we will be working together.”

Minds For Men is the latest development from the Miles for Men team. It all started in 2012 when Micky wanted to do something in memory of his father and suggested a sponsored run for men.

It was a massive success and has continued to be ever since.

But other projects have since been added to the growing cause including the Walk For Women.

Then came the Extra Mile charity shop which is based in the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre although it is currently closed until further notice because of the coronavirus.

Also on board with MINDS FOR MEN is the mental health support group Stags and Martin Connelly, pictured, is a trustee at Miles for Men.

For updates and latest case numbers on the coronavirus, visit the Hartlepool Mail website.

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