ManHealth

ManHealth peer support groups save lives.Training also provided to businesses

ManHealth is a Community Interest Company who aim to create a network of male peer support groups across County Durham and the United Kingdom for men who are struggling with their mental and physical health. The groups are open to men affected by mental and physical ill health to share friendship and support over a common condition. All ManHealth groups are ran by men with a lived experience of mental ill health. The group
s are designed to provide an opportunity to meet new friends, helping to end the social stigma, and loneliness of mental health conditions. Based in Shildon near Newton Aycliffe we are proud to serve the whole of the North East. Whether you're in County Durham or Northumberland, or the surrounding areas. We know that peer support offered by someone who has experience of mental or physical ill health can make your journey less difficult.
s are designed to provide an opportunity to meet new friends, helping to end the social stigma, and loneliness of mental health / physical conditions. Based in Shildon near Newton Aycliffe we are proud to serve the whole of the North East. We know that peer support offered by someone who has experience of mental ill health can make your journey less difficult.

26/12/2025

🎄 The Aftermath of Christmas , A Check-In for Men

The days after Christmas can hit hard.

Things quieten down, the pressure eases, and suddenly the stuff you’ve been carrying catches up with you.

If you’re feeling flat, low, overwhelmed or unsure what to do with yourself, you’re not on your own. It’s a tough time for a lot of men.

If you need support, here are places you can reach out to:

📞 Samaritans (24/7): 116 123
Free, confidential, and always there.

💬 Shout Text Line (24/7): Text “SHOUT” to 85258
If talking feels too hard, text instead.

📍 County Durham Support:

NHS Crisis Team (24/7): 0800 0516 171

Mind Durham: Available for wellbeing support and signposting

If you’re in immediate danger, call 999

You don’t have to carry everything alone. Reach out. Let someone meet you where you are. Your life matters, even on the days that feel heavy.

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas, lads.

I know today can feel different for every man. For some it’s full of family, noise and laughter. For others it’s quieter… maybe a bit heavy… maybe even lonely.

However this day looks for you, I want you to know that you matter, and you’re not on your own.

Christmas has a way of putting pressure on us as men. We feel like we should be the strong one, the provider, the steady pair of hands. But the truth is, even the strongest men get tired.

Even the quietest struggles are still struggles and looking after yourself, your mind and your body is not a weakness. It’s a necessity.

So today, give yourself permission to:

Take a moment of peace if you need it

Step outside for a walk and some fresh air

Say “I’m not feeling great” if that’s your truth

Be kind to yourself today, not just everyone else

If things feel tough, please remember that reaching out is strength. Talking to someone, sending a message, or simply taking a break can make a difference.

From all of us at ManHealth, thank you for being part of our community.
Thank you for showing up, for supporting each other, and for reminding us every day why this work matters.

Wishing you a safe, peaceful Christmas, whatever that looks like for you.

Take care of your mind.

Take care of your body.

And above all, take care of you.

Merry Christmas, lads.
Paul 🎄

23/12/2025

Day 12 – Twelve Months of Not Doing It Alone.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, think beyond Christmas. Your mental and physical health matter all year round not just in December.

Make a quiet promise to yourself for the next twelve months:

“I will not struggle in silence.”

“I will talk sooner, not later.”

“I will look after my body as well as my mind.”

And remember:

🎄 You don’t have to walk this on your own. Support, groups and help are there – and you’re worth reaching out for.

22/12/2025

Eleven Little Wins (Not Resolutions).

On the eleventh day of Christmas, forget perfection. Instead of huge resolutions, focus on little wins:

👉Getting out of bed when it’s hard

👉Having a shower

👉Opening the curtains

👉Eating one decent meal

👉Going for a short walk

👉Turning up to a group

👉Saying “no” when you need to

👉Saying “yes” to support

👉Cutting down on alcohol for a night

👉Going to bed earlier

👉Being honest with one person you trust

🎄 These aren’t small. They’re massive steps in real life.

21/12/2025

All details on image. Walk will start at 10 prompt. All men welcome.

21/12/2025

Ten Ways to Reach Out.

On the tenth day of Christmas, here are ten ways to ask for help, you could:

💙Text a mate

💙Call a family member

💙Speak to your GP

💙Talk to a colleague you trust

💙Message a support group or charity

💙Drop a note in a WhatsApp group

💙Email your manager to say you’re struggling

💙Join an online group or forum

💙Attend a peer support group

💙Tell someone at home: “I’m not coping well.”

🎄 Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. It’s one of the bravest things you’ll ever do.

20/12/2025

Nine Reasons It’s OK to Say No.

On the ninth day of Christmas, give yourself permission.

You’re allowed to say “no” to:

👌Events that drain you

👌Extra shifts you can’t cope with

👌Conversations that feel unsafe

👌Spending money you don’t have

👌Being the “strong one” for everyone

👌Telling people you’re “fine” when you’re not

👌Drinking when you don’t want to

👌Jokes that go too far

👌Anything that harms your mental or physical health

🎄 Boundaries are not selfish. They’re survival.

19/12/2025

A very emotional evening as we finish the week with the very last ManHealth group back where it all started ten years ago in Bishop Auckland. Over 25 men came along to say goodbye and celebrate our brotherhood. We had a beautiful evening which was a mixture of laughter and sadness. We had curry and the Founder Paul Bannister hosted a Christmas Quiz. We even had a visit from Santa. What a journey thousands of groups. Thousands of men supported. Many lives saved. Thank you to all who have been on the journey. Much love x

19/12/2025

Eight Words That Can Open a Door.

On the eighth day of Christmas, here are eight words:

“I’ve been struggling too – you’re not on your own.”

When men hear honesty from another man, it can break the silence.

You don’t have to share everything, but a little bit of openness can help someone else feel less “weak” or “broken.”

🎄 Your story might be the reason someone asks for help.

18/12/2025

Day 7 – Seven Nights of Better Sleep

On the seventh day of Christmas, we’re dreaming of sleep.

Late nights, rich food, alcohol, and stress can wreck your sleep and your mood.

Try one small change tonight:

✅No screens for 30 minutes before bed

✅One less drink

✅A warm shower and a darker, cooler room

🎄 Protecting your sleep is protecting your mental health. Seven better nights can change how you feel.

17/12/2025

Day 6 – Six Simple Check-Ups (Physical Health)

On the sixth day of Christmas, let’s talk bodies as well as minds.

Men’s physical and mental health are tightly linked.

Ask yourself:

❓When was your last GP check-up?

❓Have you checked your blood pressure recently?

❓Any ongoing pain you’ve been ignoring?

❓Testicular lumps or changes you’ve not spoken about?

❓Changes in weight or appetite?

❓Sleep all over the place?

Your health isn’t an inconvenience.

If something feels off, make that appointment in the new year – or even better, today.

16/12/2025

An amazing evening at ManHealth Darlington last night. It was our final session after 7 year’s of supporting thousands of men in Darlington. We welcomed 25 men through the doors for a night of connection, support, vital conversation and an opportunity to meet old acquaintances.
It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces a true testament to the safe, non-judgmental space we have created every Monday. We talked, shared stories and had many laughs and although sadness prevailed at the closure of the group we rejoiced in the difference made.
We all left with a smile something valuable taken away from the session.

We wish everyone well.

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