Men’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Peer Support Group (introductory session)

Four in five suicides are men, and the Bupa Wellbeing Index reports that around half of men are struggling with their mental health at any given time. Yet fewer than one in four men have ever sought support.

In response, we are launching an online men’s mental health and wellbeing peer support group for men working in the creative industries who would value a supportive and understanding space to strengthen their wellbeing.

The group will be facilitated by Oscar Ward, a former actor and experienced BACP-registered counsellor.

Before the group begins, anyone interested is invited to attend a short introductory session at 7:30pm on Wednesday 6 May.

This informal meeting offers an opportunity to meet the facilitator, learn more about how the group will work, and help shape how sessions may be structured. We will also talk through confidentiality and group guidelines, and there will be time to ask questions.

The introductory session also gives you the opportunity to see whether the group feels like the right fit, helping everyone begin the programme feeling comfortable, informed, and ready to engage. There is no pressure to speak — many people attend their first session simply to listen and get a feel for the group.

Following this session, the intention is to establish a regular online meeting time, alongside a dedicated WhatsApp group to help participants stay connected between sessions.

This confidential space is designed to allow participants to share experiences, discuss challenges, celebrate progress, and explore common mental health themes — all within a supportive environment guided by a qualified male counsellor. The group is simply a space for men to talk, listen and support one another — you do not need to be experiencing a crisis to take part.

To help build a consistent and trusting group dynamic, participants will be encouraged to attend sessions regularly wherever possible.

What to expect in the introductory session

The introductory session will be relaxed and informal. During the session we will:

• Introduce the facilitator and the purpose of the group
• Give participants the opportunity to briefly introduce themselves (if they wish)
• Talk through confidentiality and group guidelines
• Discuss what participants would like to gain from the group
• Answer any questions before regular sessions begin

Booking information

The introductory session is free to attend for everyone, and places can be reserved by RSVP.

If you are unable to attend the introductory meeting, but are interested in joining the group once it begins, please still RSVP, as this mean that you are included in all future correspondence related to the set up and running of the group.

Ongoing places in the group are free for members of the Creative Industries Community, who can reserve their place using their unique membership password.

For non-members, a £15 sign-up fee will apply to join the group.