A men's group has been raising issues relating to suicide in the hope of reaching out to people who may be struggling with their mental health.
Members of the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s 'Men in Sheds' group have spoken of their struggles ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day.
On Tuesday, the group took part in Blackburn with Darwen Council’s annual World Suicide Prevention Day Vigil and Walk.
The event began at 10.15am in Darwen Market Place with a ‘Walking the Walk’, and then all participants including the Men in Sheds group headed towards Ewood Park.
After a quick stop at the home of Blackburn Rovers, the walkers then continued to Blackburn town centre to join the vigil which started outside Blackburn Town Hall.
In preparation for Tuesday’s walk, the group met to do maintenance work on their garden, located next to the newly refurbished Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre at Ewood Park.
The Men in Sheds group have planted an apple tree in the garden to remember the friends they have sadly lost.
Paul, who has been involved with Men in Sheds for more than five years, said: “The garden and the apple tree are important to us as the tree is Brian’s tree, it is Eddie’s tree, it is Darren’s tree, three friends we have all lost, and two of them were to suicide.
“The apple tree is about two years old now and we will continue to look after it in their memory.
“The Men in Sheds group has always given me something to really look forward to, it has got me out of the house, it helped me in my recovery from being an alcoholic and it has helped my mental health.
“The programme has also helped upskill me and boosted my employment prospects, it is brilliant and helped me so much.
“There are so many people who struggle with alcohol abuse and suicide.
"I’ve a personal connection to it as I’ve been through it and I want to support people who have been through it like me, so I wanted to raise further awareness by taking part in Tuesday’s walk.”
Bharat, a fellow participant, added: “Socialising and talking are very important so we encourage as many people as possible to come and join us at Men in Sheds.
“It can be very hard when you are just sitting in your house, and looking at four walls, but we are one big family and are here to help. The apple tree resembles prosperity, remembrance and life.
The Men in Sheds group, which is supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council, is a weekly programme held at Ewood Park every Thursday morning, led by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s Ilyas Patel and Callum McGillick.
Ilyas said: “Our Men in Sheds plays a vital role in improving the lives of individuals who may struggle with social isolation, anxiety, or even depression.
"By offering a space where they feel welcomed and included, it helps build community, foster friendships, and encourage emotional openness.
"Social connections are essential for mental health but, for many people, especially men, finding spaces where they can comfortably share their thoughts and emotions can be challenging.
"The project not only gives participants a reason to leave the house but also provides them with a supportive group of peers who share similar experiences and interests. This sense of belonging can greatly enhance their well-being, confidence, and overall quality of life.
"Our team has come together in a powerful way, signified by the tree we have planted. A reminder that those that we have lost are never forgotten.
"Suicide is a difficult topic, one many shy away from discussing, but it's vital that we raise awareness and keep the conversations alive. It has deeply affected our group, and that’s why we are united in taking part in this walk.”
Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen and chair of the Suicide Prevention Group, Cllr Brian Taylor, said: “I have been a mental health and suicide prevention advocate for a long time now, as I have lost two close relatives to suicide so this is very important to me and is a subject very close to my heart.
“The World Suicide Prevention Day walk and vigil is a wonderful way to come together and support each other, and to help people become more comfortable talking about mental health and suicide.
“I’m thrilled that the Men in Sheds group is taking part, they are a fantastic group and have been a great support to the members. If we can talk to each other and support people who are struggling, we can make a big difference.”
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