A CHARITY has set up a club where men can come together and support each other through difficult times.

Cirencester Signpost, a charity with a focus on helping the homeless and promoting well-being, has launched this new Talk Club initiative to encourage men to open up and talk about their feelings in a supportive environment.

Charity chair Graham Harris wanted to create a community where men could deal with the emotions that come with tumultuous life events such as unemployment and bereavement in a healthy way.

He said: "Life has a habit of throwing challenges our way when we least expect them such as relationship breakdowns, unemployment, bereavement leaving us unprepared emotionally and as a result struggling to find a positive way forward.  

"It’s been proven that talking about our worries is a good way to look after our mental health, but we know that many men don’t always know how to open up and talk about their feelings."

Against this backdrop, Talk Club has been set up as a relaxed setting for men to not only talk about everyday issues but to also reflect on what they are grateful for, and as a result become mentally stronger.  

Pete Sowerby, the charity’s outreach worker, said: "It is important to note that Talk Club is a talking and listening group, it is not a therapy group trying to solve problems.

"It will be a positive, open space for men whatever their age or background to come together and lighten the load of life.

"To ensure than anyone participating feels comfortable and that the group size is not too big, spaces must be booked in advance of the weekly sessions that will run for six weeks."

For further information please contact Graham or Pete on 07523 862777