"It takes a lot to own who you are."

In this episode, Richie shares a deeply personal story about his father's terminal illness and the complex emotions involved. We also cover topics like mental health, coping with loss, and the importance of reaching out for support.

In part two, we explore the inspiring journeys of Ian and Nath from More Than Men, a community initiative based in Warrington. They share their personal experiences with mental health, addiction, and how they've built a supportive network to help men overcome stigma and isolation.

And it wouldn’t be an episode of Minds on the Mersey without technical issues would it! So expect plenty of that too.

key topics

Richie’s experience with his father’s terminal illness

The emotional conflict of loss and regret

The importance of support and communication in grief

Mental health challenges during difficult times

The role of family and friends in coping with loss

Personal journeys with mental health and addiction

The founding and growth of More Than Men

Challenges faced in establishing support groups

The importance of community and peer support

Innovative activities like sports and wellbeing programs

Addressing stigma around men's mental health

The role of tailored therapy and mental health services

Building trust and breaking barriers in support groups

The importance of informal, relaxed environments

Future plans and expansion of support initiatives

takeaways

Sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone in their struggles.

Deciding whether to reconnect with a lost family member is complex and personal.

Support networks and open communication are vital during times of grief.

It’s normal to feel conflicted and unsure about how to react to loss.

Seeking help and talking about feelings can aid in emotional healing.

More Than Men:

https://morethanmen.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/more_thanmen?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557862994590

Minds on the Mersey:

Minds on the Mersey Website: https://www.mindsonthemersey.co.uk

Minds on the Mersey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsonthemersey/

Minds on the Mersey Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584932450006

Minds on the Mersey TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@minds.on.the.mers

Merch can be found here: https://www.tshirtstudio.com/marketplace/motm