A peer group which supports men across the county who are experiencing mental health issues has again scooped the top prize at this year’s Hereford Times Health & Social Care Awards.
Hereford Men’s Mental Health (HMMH) was set up in 2020 by Paul Stevens, then the Deputy Mayor of Hereford City Council, and Euan McPherson, Chief Executive of Services for Independent Living (SIL).
Both Paul and Euan have lived experience of poor mental health and recognised that men often feel unable to talk about their feelings and any anxieties, stresses or concerns that affect them. Sadly, suicide is the biggest killer of young men under 40 and so the idea of a group specifically for men, to be held in an informal setting, was born.
The group, which meets twice monthly, has gone from strength to strength, providing a safe environment for men to talk openly to their peers about their feelings, in the knowledge that they will be listened to and not judged.
Judges of the Mental Health Award gave this to HMMH for its “innovative approach of mutual support”.
Euan McPherson said: “ We are delighted to have been recognised at the Hereford Times Awards in the Mental Health Category, this is the third year running and we were all very surprised and humbled. The group continues to provide peer support for local men when they are struggling with issues to do with mental health and that is obviously important. We would like to thank all those who nominated us.”
The group meets every second and fourth Monday of each month from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. For more details please email: HMMHgroup1@gmail.com or text 07376 727280
