Clothes sale to help Wigan mental health group

A support group in Wigan aimed at helping men with mental health problems is selling clothes as it bids to raise vital cash.

Suicide is the biggest killer of males under 45 - and Wigan dad Thomas Cottom set up a walking and talking group to help men open up about their emotions.

The group got off to a good start after launching earlier in the year, with a number of men meeting up for walks, but this was brought to a halt due to lockdown restrictions.

They are now hoping to raise money by selling clothes including T-shirts, shorts, tracksuits and vests.

Money raised will go towards funding trips out and various activities for the scheme.

Thomas, who lives in Poolstock and has struggled with anxiety in the past, said: “We’ve set up a clothing line to raise money which is selling various T-shirts, tracksuits, shorts and vests.

“We’re trying to come up with ways to make funds as we can’t keep getting funding all the time.

“So we want to get a pot of money together so we can do activities and take people out on trips on minibuses.”

The father-of-three, 29, said the group have been unable to meet up to walk and talk with each other due to restrictions.

However, he said the group have organised a number of virtual activities during the lockdown, including a Zoom call involving Wigan mental health group Potential.

He said: “We’ve tried to keep in contact with people virtually but it’s obviously not ideal so it’s been difficult for us.

“Hopefully we can get started with the walks and meet-ups again soon.”

He added: “The lockdown has been difficult for a lot of people who struggle with mental health problems including myself but I’ve tried to stay positive and want to make sure there is support available.”

The father-of-three found that walking and other forms of exercise such as the gym and boxing, was good for his mental health.

He is now hoping to help others by encouraging them to join his walks.

To buy clothes or for more information, visit their Facebook page “Men Walking Tall” or phone Thomas on 07593 235084.