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A Birkenhead men's charity is using art classes to help men struggling with their mental health, with one participant saying the sessions have helped him feel "part of society again".
As reported by the Wirral view, Wirral Council's Lifelong Learning Service has been delivering creative worships to members of Men Too - a men's mental health charity based at The Lauries Centre on Claughton Road, Birkenhead. The charity has been going since 2016.
The charity offers emotional, wellbeing, and social support for adult men.
The programme is a more comprehensive set of classes that was inspired by short creative courses that helped the men learn creative skills and concepts to built confidence, and help them relax.
One participant told the Wirral View that he classes significantly improved his wellbeing.
"Art is very therapeutic and gives me something to focus on. You can get lost in drawing a picture. All your troubles and woes disappear," he said.
"I went through a big stage of my life not feeling like part of anything at all. To come into a group, meet new people and learn different art techniques opened my mind. It has made me want to make a difference to other people's day."
He added that having his artwork displayed in an exhibition at Birkenhead Park, where he won an award, had been a significant boost.
"Speaking out as a man is really hard to do and reaching out to men's groups and branching out to different courses really opened my mind to becoming a part of society again."
Anthony Wood, Project Support Co-ordinator of Men Too Merseyside, said creativity had proven powerful for participants.
"For some people, art is a way of expressing how they feel when they're not comfortable opening up verbally. Being creative while talking openly and honestly has been incredibly powerful and everyone involved has really enjoyed it."
Art has been shown to lower stress, improve happiness, promote social relationships and help people express complex emotions. The Lifelong Learning wellbeing curriculum provides opportunities to explore managing health and wellbeing, with sessions that can help process trauma, build self-esteem and improve communication.
Anyone struggling with a mental health crisis can call 111 or request an urgent GP appointment. The Samaritans are available on 116 123.
Lifelong Learning courses are free for those who are unemployed, receiving benefits or earning less than £37,144. English, maths, ESOL, family learning and essential digital skills courses are free for everyone.
