A mental health group for dads is set to open in Walkden this Thursday.
One year after the initial launch of Heads Up Gentlemen, founders Jeff Moritz, 47, and Pete Day, 42, have created Heads Up Dadz, a new father-focused mental health group that aims to provide a safe space for dads to discuss concerns about co-parenting, addiction and anxiety.
The group will take place at Hug In A Mug, Walkden, with free tea and coffee provided.
Jeff Moritz said: “We’ve picked this place because it’s got a very community vibe.
“We felt that bringing the guys here is a safe space that we can offer so they can feel comfortable enough to open up.”
Three out of four people who take their own lives are men, and is the leading cause of death for men for men under 50, according to the Office of National Statistics.
Men are also nearly three times more likely than women to become dependent upon alcohol to cope with intense stress and sadness.
Both Moritz and Day have had their own struggles with their mental health during fatherhood, which inspired them to create the support group for other men navigating parenting.
Pete Day said: “It’s helping us along in our own journey as well, our own personal life journeys with our own addictions and recovery, you know?
“Helping someone else gives us great satisfaction, just by talking.”
The group will take part bi-weekly, from 1pm-2.30pm, and welcomes all men over the age of 18.
For more information go to the Heads Up Gentlemen website.
Anyone struggling with their mental health who requires immediate support, can contact Samaritans
