A group that aims to bridge the gap between self and professional help received by men for mental health issues has returned.
Offload is a venture set up in 2019 to bridge the gap between self and professional help for men aged 18 and over suffering from mental health issues in Cumbria.
It uses peer support to help complement externally offered professional public and private therapies.
As a result of the lockdowns we have experienced, there has been a significant increase in the number of people coming forward looking to be referred for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
In addition to this, research suggests there are a large number of people who have yet to be identified as having problems with their mental health and haven’t sought help because of overstretched services or simply not knowing where to go to seek help.
Offload has been set up to offer men aged over 18 in Cumbria a safe place where they can come and literally “offload” and share what’s going on in their personal lives which they may be struggling with.
The group uses the proven method of peer support which involves people using their lived experience to offer support and guidance to others who may be experiencing struggles with their own mental health and wellbeing.
Speaking from experience of his own mental health journey, group founder Liam Edmondson said: “When you get into a bad place mentally, it can be difficult to find the energy to seek support and get the help you need.
“However, knowing there is a person or group there to simply listen to you when you are ready to be heard can make all the difference and help break the cycle of depression and anxiety.”
The group runs on the first and third Monday of every month at Greystone Community Centre, Carlisle. With no need to register or seek a referral, the drop-in sessions are aimed to be free and easily accessible with no commitment to long term attendance.
