'Floristry helped me open up about mental health'

Two Lancashire businesses have joined forces to give men an opportunity to talk about their mental health... all while trying their hand at flower arranging.

Florists Bluebells and Daisies ran the event at 19 Kitchen and Bar on Garstang High Street, supported by the men's mental health charity Andy's Man Club.

Rob Dobson, from its Blackpool branch, said: "We've found blokes will quite openly talk to other blokes who they don't know, rather than their close friends, because they don't want that stigma."

He said events which bring men together can have a "huge" positive affect on their sense of wellbeing.

"We're not trained councillors, we're not therapists, we're just like-minded blokes providing a safe place for other blokes to come out and talk in an open space," said Dobson.

"With the economy nowadays, pubs are closing and they used to be the central place where blokes used to go and vent.

"That's not happening any more, but to see something like this is fantastic."

David Chambers, from Garstang, said he went along for "a chance to talk to other people and maybe gain something from it".

He said: "Personally I've been through an awful lot in the last 18 months, and sometimes it's easier to talk to strangers about issues you've got than it is with people you know.

"Perhaps they can relate a little more easily because they don't know the background."

Gemma Kelsall, owner of Bluebells and Daisies florists, said it was "overwhelming" to see about 20 men turn up.

"We genuinely didn't think we'd have such a good turnout," she said.

"We thought we might have to drag people in off the street kicking and screaming, but they've come."

She said she hoped after the class, the men would start flower arranging at home for their families.

It was "brilliant to see some of our regulars as so many new faces," said Declan Stephen.

"Something like this is missing in Garstang," he added. "It's brilliant to join with another business to share a positive message."

Stuart Leatherbarrow, from Garstang, said when he first heard about a men's floristry class he thought: "Oh, I don't know if that's for me.

"I thought it might be sitting down and talking to a load of people which would be a bit uncomfortable, but when I saw it was interactive, I thought I'd give it a whirl.

"Mental health's a big thing. Personally I had a bit of a breakdown a few years ago and the thing that really got me out of it was getting out the house and trying to switch off from what was going on.

"The best and hardest thing I did was to go to my GP and ask for help.

"That changed everything and I'm in a brilliant place now.

"I have no regrets, because that's life, but it's so important to get help.

"There's a lot of pressure on men to talk, and somebody needs to be there to listen."

Joking about his floral creation, Stuart said: "I've think I've missed my way - my bouquet is stunning!

"I'm going to give it to my wife."

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