New mental health group set up in Oldham

A brand-new initiative to help tackle men’s mental health has been set up just a couple of miles outside of Tameside.

The CAD group, which stands for cleaner and dryer, was set up just over a month ago to provide those in need with a platform to talk about their issues in a safe and welcoming environment.  

CAD was originally set up in honour of Chris Drysdale, a local man who sadly took his own life back in September. After his tragic death, his friends and colleagues from North Manchester came together to form a mental health group, to ensure those with mental issues have someone to talk to and know that they are not suffering alone.

This group is slightly different from those currently available, as it allows people to work on their physical health as well as their mental health. 

The group gets together every Friday night at the On Point Fitness and Boxing Gym in Failsworth, and those battling addiction, alcoholism, and mental health issues can come down and talk about their ongoing issues, with people in similar situations to themselves.

The session begins at 6:45pm and runs until 8:15pm, getting underway with a circuit-style boxing training session, which lasts for the first 30 minutes. This is then followed by a 30-minute ‘social circle’, where people can get things off their chest by airing any personal issues that they wish to.

As well as the Friday session, support is available throughout the week for those that need it, via a WhatsApp chat, that all club members are added to. There, they can air any concerns, or reach out for support if they are feeling vulnerable.

The group’s official launch took place on Friday, December 15, with a number of local celebrities coming down to show their support, including Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Brian Kidd.

On one hand, it was fantastic to see such a great turnout for the event with around 30 local men attending the session, but this unfortunately highlights the fact that there are still plenty of men out there that are struggling. 

Nevertheless, this initiative is a step in the right direction, and shows that there is help available for local people who need it.

As mentioned, the session takes place every Friday from 6:45pm at the On Point Fitness and Boxing Gym in Failsworth, and absolutely anyone is welcome to come down and get involved.

To get in contact with the group, or to learn more, visit their Facebook page- Cleaner and Dryer Boxercise Group.