A Bonhill taxi driver has launched a new mens’ mental health group to meet a growing need for support and help those stuggling with the emotional turmoil of the cost-of-living crisis.
Jamie MacLean, 34, held Mentor Scotland’s first meeting earlier this month at the Benview Resource Centre in Dumbarton.
The group, which has 10 volunteers, has picked up following of more than 1000 people on Facebook in just five weeks.
Jamie, who has had his own struggles with mental health, is expecting the group to get busier over the winter period due to the cost-of-living crisis.
He said: “The first night was quite successful, and other organisations are going to signpost service users and members to us to use our service, including men matter. We are making connections in the community.
“We weren’t sure how long it would take us to get up and running, but we decided we were just going to go for it because it is going to be a very tough winter for a lot of people.
“With the cost-of-living crisis, it is going to be a massive burden for a lot of people, so to get this idea that I have had for years in motion when people will need it most is ideal.
“When you look at the poverty in West Dunbartonshire, it is hard enough to get by on a minimal salary which will only add to the pressure they’re under.
“Then when you add the fuel prices into it, this winter, in general, will be horrible for people. That’s why we need to be there, so we have something in place to offer those who are struggling.
“So, I believe it will be a leading factor in affecting people’s mental health. We will be there to help them.“
Jamie said another challenge Mentor Scotland needs to overcome is the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and men being unwilling to share how they’re coping as a result.
Jamie said: “Those struggling with their mental health don’t all know how to seek help or are anxious about taking that step.
“One of the guys who came along to our first night was thinking about just walking by, but when he did come in, he wasn’t sure about talking in our talking group, but he then felt comfortable enough to share.
“We don’t actually have anything like this in West Dunbartonshire, so, hopefully, this can be a service that can make a difference here.
“We are using the motto ‘End the Stigma’, and I am hoping we can grow to be available to everybody, and not just men.
“But it is important to start with men because there is a huge stigma which makes men unwilling to speak out.”
Jamie was someone who didn’t speak out initially and struggled with binge drinking, he said: “I have struggled with anxiety in the past, and I was suicidal for a long time.
“There was nowhere for me to turn to. I went to my GP and stuff, but I didn’t feel like I got the same service I should have.
“It is difficult to have the conversation, but, eventually, I did share it, although it was not easy.
“It was by luck that my own friends showed me ways to help myself.
“I was a binge drinker but not quite an alcoholic. I was a party drinker, Thursday to Sunday, but I managed to change my habits. For me, the reason I was at my lowest was because that I had nowhere to turn to.
“However, mental health has only fairly recently reached the forefront, and people are more aware of it now. What we offer can hopefully help the community.”
The group runs every Friday from 5pm to 10pm in Benview Resource Centre and anyone who could benefit from it is encouraged to come along.
