A new free wellbeing course to help men improve their mental health has made an “incredible difference”.
Wiltshire Council is working with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to support stress management and mindfulness in men aged 20 to 59.
Sessions will consist of nature-based physical activities such as hiking, woodworking and bushcraft skills.
Trevor Yates said the course had given him back his confidence and “changed my life for the better”.
Men who enroll in the program can expect to spend a day in a nature reserve, bonding through similar experiences and meeting a group of like-minded people.
“There has been a long-standing crisis when it comes to men’s mental health,” said program leader Imogen Jackson.
“There are many services out there that are starting to shine a light on the problem, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
“Programs like this that support men to get outside in nature and do something active seem to be really effective,” she added.
The first wellbeing sessions will begin on February 19th and will run for 12 weeks in Salisbury.
Jackson said the course filled up almost immediately, adding: “There’s clearly a huge need.”
“It turned my life around”
Trevor Yates, who attended a similar outdoor wellbeing course with the trust a few years ago, said the experience had inspired him to “get outside more”.
“When you’re struggling with your mental health, you tend to stay indoors and get stuck in your own thoughts,” he says.
“It was very difficult for me to go out and meet people, but once I got out, it was great!”
Mr Yates said his mental health deteriorated after he retired and he suddenly lacked social interaction and a sense of structure in his life.
“Thanks to this course, I can now speak and my sense of security has returned. It has given me my confidence back. It has been really great for me. My life has completely changed.” he added.
Due to high demand, other men’s wellbeing sessions will be held in Trowbridge and Chippenham later this year.
Follow BBC West Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk
