Man Down Cornwall is a men’s mental health support group, offering a very informal, safe and relaxed environment for men of all ages 18+ who are struggling with any kind of mental health issues.
Sessions are designed to be as inclusive as possible with no judgement, only support and understanding from people who can be there to listen and support you.
Set up in 2019 by Ross Jackson-Hicks and Brad Osman, Man Down’s fortnightly meeting groups are now in 26 locations - including Falmouth - dotted all around Cornwall. The team’s aim is to continue growing this to 33 locations so the whole county is covered with easy-access to support groups, by any man who has mental health problems.
A staggering 12 men a day in the UK take their own life, and unfortunately, Cornwall as a county has the third highest suicide rate in the country. That’s why Man Down’s single aim is to reduce suicide rates in Cornwall through their meetings and other activities that they hold throughout the year.
Man Down is run by a total of 68 amazing volunteers, who give up their time every single week to support the sessions. In 2021, they set up the Man Down app which allows men to connect between sessions, if the support is needed at a time when the team are not directly there in person.
In the past four years they have grown a wonderful network of people who have supported Man Down, come to meetings, raised funds through epic challenges (such as carrying a log up Ben Nevis and climbing Everest), all in aid of the most important part - encouraging men in Cornwall to talk about it.
If you would like to read more about Man Down, find out about a support group near you or get in touch, please head to the Man Down website, www.mandown-cornwall.co.uk