A support group aimed at breaking down barriers and tackling the stigma surrounding men’s mental health is celebrating one year of supporting its members.
Mankind was set up by Jordan Bishop last summer, after rising levels in male suicide and a general decline in men’s mental health nationally spurred him into action.
The aim was to “flip the script” and encourage men to open up about their feelings and struggles in a safe and welcoming environment, using exercise as a draw.
Mankind mental health group, based at Golden Gloves boxing club, Millgate, Newark. Photo: Fionn Burrows.
The sessions take place every Tuesday from 7pm at the Epic Golden Gloves Boxing Gym, on Millgate in Newark, and involve an hour of boxing followed by a 30-minute open sit-down.
A year on from their first session, the group now has five times as many members, with men of all ages and backgrounds coming together.
“When the group first started, I think a lot of trauma was let out,” Jordan said.
Jordan Bishop, founder of Mankind mental health group. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media.
“They were at the beginning of their journeys and it was healing to be able to actually tell their story, with no judgment or pressure.
“We started out with five turning up on registration night — now we have 26.
“I just want the men of Newark to know, you are not alone; in depression, in addiction, in any of the wars you’re fighting in your life.
“Sometimes I forget that I set this up, because it has become a brotherhood. It is a really special place to be.”
Jordan Bishop, founder of Mankind mental health group, and Esham Pickering, Golden Gloves boxing club owner. Photo: Fionn Burrows.
Jordan has also coined a new phrase, which he hopes will change people’s attitudes.
“Mental strength is the new mental health,” he said.
“That phrase is changing things. As men we’re going through so much stuff, we can feel embarrassed to talk about it and we mask it.
“We’ve had a lot of tears, but that’s why I call it mental strength, because we want men to find the positives in opening up.
“There is no battle that you have to face alone, and change is very, very possible.”
The group has had a real and lasting impact on its members, including Neil Ford, who has been attending since almost the very beginning.
“Last year, I was in a real bad place mentally,” he said.
“My mental health was at an all time low and I tried to take my own life on my birthday last year.
“I heard about this place and I came. It was so hard to walk through those doors, but they welcomed me with open arms.
“Ever since then, Jordan has been like a brother to me. He checks in on me two or three times a week.
“From where I was, to where I am now, is head and shoulders a different person.
“I look forward to this every week. Seeing other people in the same boat as you, listening to advice, sharing opinions, it has helped me out so much.
“We were all strangers, and now it’s one big brotherhood.”
The goal is to turn Mankind into a group which runs two or three nights a week, and eventually become a model that can be rolled out all over the UK.
Eysham Pickering, owner of Epic Golden Gloves gym, said: “This guy [Jordan] is changing people’s lives.
“It’s getting bigger and better, and it can only have a big impact on the town.
“Boxing is great because it allows people to let everything out, and the chat we have after is the icing on the cake — you’re letting it out physically, and then letting it out mentally too.
“There’s a sense that it is intimidating to walk into a boxing gym, but in this place it’s all love.
“If you’ve got 20 other people who are on your side, it gives you confidence, composure, and safety.
“He’s using my gym, he’s doing amazing things, and it is a privilege to be a part of this.”
A special anniversary session is planned for Tuesday, June 23 at 7pm, and all are welcome to attend.
Jordan is also appealing for any sponsors who may be able to support the group, with the hope of funding mental health trips.