Founder of Helensburgh men's mental health group to break barriers

Founder Ian Greig set up the Time to Talk group to take the place of the former Males Tales initiative in the town, which folded in 2023.

Ian knew how important it was for men to have their own space to talk through their emotions and share their feelings, so set up the group six months ago.

He told the Advertiser: "I was one of the first volunteers for Males Tales three years ago, so when the group folded in May last year I decided to set up a group myself because it was needed.

"We have had an average of six to 12 people who regularly attended our group. The whole ethos of our group is to talk and share.

"We don't offer treatments or therapy. It is mainly offering support when we share our stories and feelings with others. It breaks down those barriers in terms of people not being able to speak about those things they don't want to speak about.

"We have only three things that members can't talk about, which are religion, politics or football."

Ian believes that a strong part of the stigma in men's mental health is toxic masculinity and wants to change the perception.

"It is about encouraging people to talk," Ian added.

He continued: "Although we all have our own stories they intertwine with other people's experiences.

"To hear another man talk about how he is dealing with it or approaching things lets you know that you aren't the only person, but also that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"There is a strong stigma for men with the 'man up' culture. There is a lot of toxic masculinity around and stigma is still attached for people to speak.

"I think men still feel that they aren't allowed to cry, or portray their feelings, and that is where we are going wrong. 

"The group is there to change that, and tell these men that they are never alone in how they are feeling."

The group meet every third Thursday of the month (Image: Time to Talk)

And members have anonymously told the Advertiser why the group has a huge impact in the town.

One said: "I go to the group as I know what it is like to be in a dark place. I think most men carry stuff from their past around with them and find it difficult to forgive themselves.

"I think I have learned to do that now but I go because I am emphatic and understanding how difficult this can be to admit to as a man."

Another added: "For me, not having many friends to talk to, or any family from my side to gain advice from, it’s great coming along and talking to other guys, both my age and elder about my experiences and listening to theirs.

"It's only two hours but I look forward to it all month."

And a third member of the group said: "I came as wasn't managing my mental health and emotions on my own, with the feeling of being alone even when surrounded by people and snapping at those closest to me.

"I was made aware of this group, and as the organiser knows, I'd messaged during the day of the next meeting saying I'd come but most probably not talk, which was fine.

"I was very unsure, nervous, anxious. What if someone I knew was there?

"I decided to go and sit with guys who all felt the same for various reasons I could relate to.

"We all shared our stories and feelings along with tools we had learnt or been given to cope. We have a laugh as it's so comfortable and now I wouldn't miss it for anything."

The group's sessions are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Helensburgh Community Hub from 7.30-9.30pm and all men are invited.

For more information about the group visit their Facebook page at Time to Talk.