The Living Room, based in Little Lever, is designed to help men open up in a relaxed setting about anxiety, depression, and other struggles.
Located at The Haven community centre, the space includes games such as darts and table tennis to help encourage informal conversation and reduce stigma around seeking support.
Rowan Ardill, community development officer, who leads the Greater Manchester Manbassadors programme, said: “In the UK, men account for around three out of every four suicides.
The Living Room interior at the launch event (Image: Supplied)
“We know how difficult it can be for men to discuss mental health and Manbassadors’ goal is simple – to help reduce men’s suicide rates through positive mental health conversations.”
Run by Bolton Manbassadors, a mental health project led by housing provider Be One Homes, The Living Room offers a drop-in service where men can talk to a member of the team, socialise, or simply spend time in a judgement-free environment.
Mr Ardill said: “The Living Room gives us a dedicated permanent space where people can come whenever they feel they need a conversation.
“It will also act as a focal point for our support across Bolton.”
The space was launched at an informal event on August 7, which included project team members, attendees, local community members, and other stakeholders.
Councillor Andrea Taylor-Burke also attended the event.
Bolton Manbassadors is part of the Greater Manchester Manbassadors programme, which is supported by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The new space was made possible through funding received from Bolton Council’s Growing The Good Work Fund.
Mr Ardill said: “We are unashamedly informal – there’s no agenda when people call in.
“We have tried to make it somewhere that men from the Little Lever and wider Bolton area can visit without judgement, relax, socialise and connect.
“If they want to talk about any issues – someone will be available to listen.”
One regular user of the scheme, a man named David, said the project changed his life.
He said: “I have been involved with Manbassadors since April, when I was struggling and feeling isolated.
“I live alone and my mental health had taken a dip.
“When I got in touch with Manbassadors, it really helped me to get out and about, talking to other men, valuing my self-worth and learning new skills such as Pilates.”