During the Covid Pandemic, Matt sadly lost a friend to the virus and that experience led to him seeking support and that’s how he began attending our Team Talk sessions.

He explained: “I lost a friend during Covid to Covid, and from that point it triggered something that spiralled out of control and basically from there I heard about the group through the Local Area Coordinator, Mark. I had some sessions with him, and he told me about this group and that’s how I started coming down.”

Matt began attending our session at St Phillips Church but at first was unsure about whether the programme was for him.  He soon settled into the session and with support from our staff began coming to Harrison’s Hub on a Monday evening. Now having been attending for over six months, he has seen a huge impact and change in his mental health.

“At first I wasn’t convinced it was for me because I don’t talk very often and the first time was difficult,” he explained. “I started out coming to the church group and the first time at the main session, Lucas arranged to meet me outside and it was nice that I didn’t have to come in on my own.

“From that day it’s literally turned my life around, it’s helped so much. I think it’s had a massive impact. Not just mental health but other parts of my life. It’s put things into perspective, Lucas helped with me getting a new job and it’s helped me gain confidence. I didn’t think I would ever say this but it’s absolutely brilliant.

“It’s nice that nobody judges you and if you’re feeling low that particular time you come in, there’s always somebody that’ll try and pick you up and move you along. I’ve realised that’s what I need, and it really helps.”

As well as attending Team Talk sessions, Matt also comes to Dads’ Space, our brand-new sessions that supports Dads and their mental well-being. Like Team Talk, he wondered if the session would benefit him in anyway but has quickly found the importance of talking to other Dads.

“That’s been really good as well,” he said. “Again, I didn’t think I’d be the right person because my son is a lot older, so I didn’t think id be able to offer anything but equally I didn’t think I’d get anything back from the younger dads.

“But I have learnt so much and some of my theories are the same as theirs, it’s just 19 years ago there wasn’t anybody to sit and talk about it with.”

Reflecting on his experience at our sessions, Matt has urged anyone that may need support to come down and join us at either Team Talk or Dads’ Space.

He said: “I’d say come down and talk because there’s so much on offer. It will change your life for the better.”

Learn more about both Team Talk and Dads' Space below.

Team Talk

Dads' Space