The loss of a loved one is never easy to come to terms with, but men, in particular, can struggle to be open about their feelings. StrongMen is a charity determined to change things.

StrongMen is a charity that aims to support men following bereavement. They offer a range of services to reach out and support as many men as possible.

According to their website, “Grief can cause severe mental and physical health conditions which are often overlooked and even ignored, especially in men.”

What services are on offer?

Man2Man telephone-based peer support

If you contact StrongMen for support, you will be offered the opportunity for a friendly chat with a trained volunteer who has been through a similar experience to you. As their website puts it, “simply knowing your volunteer has empathy with your situation maximises trust without fear of judgement.”

StrongMen’s peer support is offered for up to six weeks. It involves a two-way conversation based on peer listening and discussion. Their volunteers have been trained in counselling skills and also benefit from the process. StrongMen states “Providing and receiving support increases self-esteem, confidence and positive feelings that increase the ability to cope with mental health problems”.

Find out more here.

Weekender retreat

StrongMen’s weekend retreats offer a unique bonding experience in beautiful remote surroundings. They provide a safe, secure environment where men have the opportunity to relax and talk and get back to nature.

The sense of brotherhood fostered on these retreats can lay the foundations for lasting friendships built on trust and empathy. There are other plusses too – as the website states:

“Grief not only affects the individual, it also impacts those around you. When you return from the Weekender Retreat as a stronger more positive person, that benefits you, your family, friends, colleagues and the community.”

Bare Yourself podcast

The Bare Yourself Podcast is about sharing extraordinary human stories of overcoming adversity to empower and inspire. Listen to it here.

For more information, visit www.strongmen.org.uk, contact by email at hello@StrongMen.org.uk or telephone on 0800 915 0400.

If you register for support you will be asked to fill in a questionnaire with the details of your circumstances.