THREE months after launching a group to continue vital support for men who suffer mental health problems, organisers have branched out, setting up meetings for women.
Barney Well Beings was formed in July after ManHealth announced it would no longer be hosting its weekly support group in the town.
The group, which provides peer to peer support with no judgement for men with mental health issues, meets on Wednesdays between 6pm and 8pm at The Witham, in Barnard Castle.
Chris Johnson, who facilitates Barney Well Beings, said the idea to launch a women’s group came after a comment from a friend’s wife.
He said: “It was not long after the set-up of ManHealth, a friend’s wife asked when a group for women was going to be set up. That stuck with me and it has always been on my mind.
“There must be a need for a women’s group because why would my friend’s wife have said that?
“Now I have the men’s group sorted, I began to look at starting a group for women.”
Mr Johnson was also contacted by Wycliffe resident Sue Alderson shortly after an article appeared in the Teesdale Mercury regarding the launch of Barney Well Beings.
Ms Alderson, who moved to Teesdale last year, has years of experience working in the community and offered to facilitate a women’s group.
She said: “I have done a lot of work on the other side of the A1 in Middlesbrough, and have worked all over the north east in various capacities.
“I have worked in mental health and well-being for the last six years.”
The new weekly women’s group will launch on Thursday, November 9, meeting at The Witham, at 6pm.
Mr Johnson, who thanked The Witham for its continued support, said: “The Barney Well Being ethos is we have our own lived experiences and there is no judgement because everybody in the group is suffering from some form of mental ill health.”
He added plans for the future also include creating social activities that participants of both groups take part in to counter loneliness.
“Loneliness is a big factor of mental health,” he said.
“The idea for social groups to form to do activities that people enjoy.
“We are also getting in touch with existing clubs and organisations to be able to sign post people to them as well.”
Women who would like to know more can turn up at one the Thursday meetings or call Ms Alderson on 07566 201141.
The Wednesday evening men’s group will continue as usual. People who want to learn more about Barney Well Beings can call Mr Johnson on 07919 09134 or visit www. well-beings.org.uk.
