Response to men's mental health group 'a worry'

The founder of a men's mental health group has said the number of members joining in just five weeks was "a worry" as it highlighted the extent of the issue.

Photographer Chris Hughes, from Tittensor, Staffordshire, sought help about five years ago after he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

After going through counselling and getting sober, the 39-year-old wanted to "give back" and created Men Rebuilding Men – a group for men dealing with mental health issues.

Since he set it up, more than 1,500 people have joined the Facebook group and the first coffee and walk took place at Westport Lake in Stoke-on-Trent at the end of December.

Speaking of the number of people who joined, Hughes said: "It's a worry because there are so many people who need this help and guidance, who are really, really struggling.

"I appreciate this time of year can be extra hard for people as well which is why I set it up."

Hughes said it was tough for him to seek help when he started suffering from depression, which was rooted in childhood trauma.

He said he had usually been portrayed as the person who people came to for help.

"It was hard, admitting that I needed help as well," he added. "I've always been the giver but I knew things couldn't carry on. I was a mess."

• Listen: The Tittensor photographer helping men rebuild their lives

Hughes said counselling helped him to turn his life around and he was "getting stronger as the days go on".

He told his counsellor he wanted to "give back" and said he was doing this through Men Rebuilding Men.

Seven people attended the first walk on 28 December and Hughes said there could be about 55 at the next event on Saturday.

Asked what he wanted to achieve, he said: "I'd love to be able to do exactly what we do now and that's help people… these feelings don't stay forever, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"Five years from now, your life can look completely different to what it is now. It can be a completely different picture."

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