An RAF veteran who struggled with his own depression and was suicidal for two years has managed to reach out and help over 100 other men.
James Fildes set up a men's mental health group based in Sunderland and is now looking to expand what it does, after helping over 100 people in its first 12 months, since being set up in April 2022.
Founder of the SPACE North East Community Interest Company, James was discharged from the RAF through injury, and he found it hard to adjust to life at university, feeling lost and unable to adjust to life being back as a civilian.
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He began working as a project manager, but was dismayed at the lack of support that was on offer for men who are struggling with their mental health.
James wanted to set up his own support network for men in his position, which resulted in the launch of community group SPACE North East.
The group host support sessions every Wednesday at the Beacon of Light, as well as sponsored walks and educational events, with over 100 men being involved in these so far.
James has spoken about the first year of SPACE North East, and why he feels that men's mental health is such an important subject to talk about.
“It’s been a fantastic first year for SPACE,” he said. “When I first started out, it was literally just me, with my friends and family showing up to the first few events to lend support.
“But it wasn’t long until word started to spread and all of a sudden, we had six or seven guys coming along to simply open up and talk about how they were feeling.
“Some people just come to one session, some come every week and some just when they’re feeling low and need support, and I think that’s what’s been key to growing the network.
“Talking about mental health carries a real stigma for men and it’s hard enough to open up and talk, so giving them an informal, non-judgemental space where they can just let loose and get stuff off their chest has been a real help to so many people.”
