A GROUP that acts as a lifeline for men in Barrow is set to begin meeting face-to-face tomorrow.

Over the last year Barrow Men's Group have struggled to meet in person due to the ever-changing Coronavirus restrictions.

During the previous easing of restrictions the group managed to complete socially distanced meets at Barrow Park.

Now the group is delighted to reveal that regular meetings are back in place.

Men over the age of 18 are welcome to join the group which will meet at Barrow Island Community Trust on Friday's between 6-8pm.

Chairman Mark Bell said: "It's getting more difficult for people to cope.

"We normally have around 10 regulars who come in every week and others who come every now again. People who are now furloughed and those working from home will have more availability to turn up so we can help them more.

"We also do signposting, so for example if someone comes in and needs help with things such as domestic violence we can send them to the right place.

"Behind the scenes we have been referring a lot of people for help but it is difficult talking to people because when you are speaking you would like some face-to-face interaction to judge their emotions.

"Before Covid-19 we were about to do a big launch as we managed to get funding for activities and courses like mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

"I had plans last year to take them camping and the YMCA wanted to get involved and help us, and even boat clubs wanting to get involved to really push men's mental health.

"I am hoping the first activity we can do is camping with YMCA but we will take it as it comes.

Barrow Men's Group was set up because it came apparent that there wasn't anywhere dedicated to men's mental health support in the area.

Mr Bell said: "The stats show that in all completed suicides, 95 per cent are men because they pick the most brutal ways out, and there's the stigma that men can't talk, and that they have to be the men of the house and that's why Deborah Henry set Barrow Men's Group up.

"We are there, we are a free service and we're here to help anyone".

Those who attend the group support meeting will be required to sign in on arrival and follow the social distancing measures in place.

To receive support or more information, search 'B.M.G Barrow Men's Group' on Facebook or email: barrowmensgroup@outlook.com