New ‘Man Down’ support group launching in Westbury

A new non-judgemental peer-support group for men struggling with mental health issues is launching in Westbury next month, as part of a growing network of groups across Wiltshire.

Man Down provides a safe, friendly, and confidential space for men to talk openly about the challenges they face – from anxiety and depression to relationship struggles, work stress or simply feeling isolated.

The Westbury group will hold its first meeting on Wednesday 10th September, 7pm to 9pm, at the Laverton, thanks to the support of Westbury Town Council, which is providing the venue.

“This will now be our sixth group in Wiltshire,” explained Chris Smith, lead volunteer facilitator for Man Down Wiltshire. “We’ve already got groups running in Trowbridge, Melksham, Devizes, Calne and Wootton Bassett, and now Westbury.

“My aim is to have a group in every town in Wiltshire, because there’s a real need. The NHS is stretched, and there aren’t enough services for men’s mental health. We’re trying to fill that gap by giving men the opportunity to share their lived experiences with others who understand.”

Chris will run the Westbury group initially but hopes to recruit local volunteers to take it on longer term, with ongoing support from the wider Man Down team.

The meetings are informal and free to attend. Men can talk as much or as little as they like, or simply listen and know they’re not alone.

“Most of our groups average between eight and 18 men per session,” says Chris. “But if just one man who’s struggling walks through the door, that’s a success. Across the five existing groups, we’ve welcomed over 250 men and logged more than 1,000 visits. There’s clearly a need.”

Chris knows the impact these groups can have. At Melksham, two men told him attending literally saved their lives. “They said it was either ‘turn right and come in to see you guys’ or ‘turn left and end it all.’ That’s how important this is.”

The sessions often involve men sitting in a circle, listening, and sharing coping strategies. A simple tool – a rugby ball – is passed around; whoever holds it has the floor.

“There’s no pressure,” Chris adds. “You can come and just listen. Some men have found huge value in simply being there without saying a lot.”

The name Man Down was chosen because it is the opposite of ‘Man Up’- a phrase often used to tell someone to deal with something bravely. Chris explained, “It’s the opposite of telling someone to ‘pull your socks up and get on with it’. It’s about saying it’s okay not to be okay.” The organisation was originally founded in 2018 by Ross Jackson-Hicks in Cornwall.”

The first Westbury meeting takes place Tuesday 10th September. Dates and venue details will be published on the Man Down Wiltshire Facebook page and the official website.

For more information visit the Man Down Wiltshire Facebook page.

Pictured: Chris Smith, Westbury Man Down facilitator