'I hope my story helps men with their mental health'

Chris Guy said it was so important to speak up

A survivor of domestic abuse who has spearheaded a new men's mental health charity said it was vital they "open up" and break the stigma of speaking out about their struggles.

Chris Guy is chairman of the Mersey Mind Project which evolved from a football team for "like-minded" dads who wanted some "football therapy".

He said he opened up about his story to encourage other men to do so, adding: "It isn't weak to speak up."

The 30-year-old said it was "scary" looking back on the mental and physical abuse he endured. "I didn't want to admit it at the time, I was in denial." However, he finally got out of the situation after taking the first step by telling his mother and ended the relationship.

'Game-changer'

It comes as the charity is set to launch peer-led sessions in Moreton, Wirral, aimed at helping men open up in a non-judgemental safe space.

The launch follows the "game changing" success of its football therapy sessions since the project started in July, he said.

The charity's Monday football session in Prenton was so in demand, the charity soon put on a second one on Thursday.

"It's a game-changer," Mr Guy said. "Football really brings people together in Merseyside - Reds, Blues, Tranmere fans - and we have a real community of people and support network."

He said they did not want to exclude men who do not play football, though, so are starting weekly drop-in sessions from Tuesday at The Sandbrook Centre between 18:30 BST and 20:00.

Mr Guy said the informal sessions will give men from the area "a safe, non-judgemental space to chat, connect and unwind" and get support.

As well as conversation, there will also be refreshments and board games.

"Men can find it very difficult to speak up because they are proud.

"It is so important, though," he said.

He said he himself found it hard to talk about his mental health and abuse but got support from a charity set up in memory of Paul Lavelle from Rock Ferry who was killed by his girlfriend Sarah Lewis in May 2017.

Ray Ferguson said the football therapy sessions had "changed my life"

Ray Ferguson, from Birkenhead, has been going to the football sessions since June and said the group has "changed my life".

The 19-year-old said: "It has improved my mental health so much."

He said the group "takes all his stress away" for an hour and a half.

"As a man it is so reassuring to be able to open up and the group is there to help and guide you.

"I feel I can say anything there and there is no judgement. I'd 100% recommend it."

He said the group provides physical exercise as well as helping with mental wellbeing.

The Everton fan, whose father is poorly, said it is "very inclusive" with men of all ages taking part "with our own personal stories" and he especially loves the banter between the different fans.

Mr Guy said the charity's mission is to grow a strong network of men in Wirral "who can support one another through the ups and downs of life" and a movement where "no man feels alone, and every voice matters".

The charity is also running walk-and-talks and group hikes, social events such as going out to watch live sport and are set to launch "cycletherapy' bike rides in spring.