Image source, Cumbria off-road
- author, Pamela Tickell
- role, BBC News, North East and Cumbria
The founder of a male support mental health group said that when it comes to men’s health “activism is the way forward”.
Liam Edmondson, from Carlisle, founded talk group Offroad Cumbria in 2020 after struggling to access public or private support.
The group has recently run activity sessions such as bowling and axe throwing which have been well received and create a “nice environment for conversation and a change of pace with activities”, Edmondson said.
The charity hopes to raise £2,000 over the next two years to “continue to support men aged 18 and over who suffer from mental health problems”.
Mr Edmondson served as a paramedic and special constable before being diagnosed with complex PTSD and anxiety disorder.
“I was exposed to some slightly harsh conditions and had some incidents that triggered PTSD,” he said.
While searching for another job, Edmondson struggled to find mental health support.
“What we’ve found is that when people don’t need help the most, like in a crisis situation, they don’t actually get as much help, especially if they’re men,” he said.
Image source, Liam Edmondson
Offload Cumbria is a free talk group for men aged 18 and over with mental health issues, meeting multiple times a week in locations including Penrith and Carlisle.
Edmondson said the funds raised will cover room rental and food and drink, but “this time around we want to be more specific and do more activities with our members.”
“[Talking] Mental health issues can sometimes be very serious [doing an activity creates] “It’s a good environment to talk and have a positive distraction,” he said.
He added that the group has been active for the past few months and “that’s definitely where we’ve seen the biggest response.”
“This will encourage more people to come and create better connections.
“Honestly, I think activity is the way forward because even just support through conversation is great, but having an activity, say, once a month, definitely increases people’s happiness and wellbeing,” Edmondson said.
