Men urged to open up at mental health reset day

Men are being invited to a "reset day" at a stately home to improve their mental health.

Attractions at the event at Delapre Abbey, in Northampton, includes ice baths and breathwork sessions.

Organisers hope men would open up about their mental health in a supportive environment.

Dr David Smart, a Trustee at Delapre, said the event on 6 July was "about creating a safe space for men to support one another".

Figures showed men were less likely to access phycological therapies than women, yet men were three times more likely to take their own lives.

Dr David Smart, who chaired the Action for Happiness Northants Hub, said: “Men’s mental health is often overlooked due to societal pressures and stigma.

"This event is about creating a safe space for men to talk, share, and support one another.”

The event will be held in the walled garden at Delapre Abbey, once the pride of the Bouverie and Tate families who lived at Delapre.

Activities included ice baths, which are thought to improve mental health, and breathwork sessions designed to reduce stress.

Two military veterans, Pete Spink and Matthew Bushell, will be joining Dr Smart to talk about their mental health challenges which required medical and psychological treatments.

Delapre Abbey hoped to create a well-being hub in the stables at the site to provide continuous support and resources.

Dr Smart is raising money for the hub and Action for Happiness by going on a 1,460 mile (2350km) cycle challenge - 1460 was picked because it was the year of the Battle of Northampton.

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