Testimonials

"I speak as a man who is a passionate mental health advocate. I am also a father, a husband, and the most rewarding role I have is as an unpaid carer. Being an unpaid carer can be 24/7. So I speak from the heart when I say that such schemes are going to be vital to further encourage men to continue to talk about their mental health."
- Paul

"I started the Man Cave cos I was feeling a little lost... I very early on realised that I'm not alone in my thoughts. The Man Cave gave me a sense of brotherhood and a feeling I was never alone in this fight."

- John

"I was looking for bereavement support but I was only offered online webinars instead of someone to actually speak with and just decided to 'get on with it' and after a few months a friend of mine shared the Man Cave on social media and I took a look at it, wondering whether I should go. My anxiety was screaming at me inside to make up as many excuses as possible to not go to the meeting when it came to the meeting dates. I was greeted by a very smiley Scott Poulter at the door and was welcomed into the man Cave by the rest of the brotherhood. Getting involved in the Man Cave has not only helped me work through my demons, it has also given me opportunities to rediscover my confidence and self-worth. I have gained brothers who will sit in the mud with me"

- Jono

" I came to the Man Cave because I value vulnerability and how necessary it is for men in particular. Safe spaces don't really exist and so I wanted to be part of this one and see how it grows, maybe even aid if I can. The way I've grown and the way I understand myself is unbelievable, the community I've gained, the connection I've felt. Honestly, I've been doing good since its inception, I believed that life couldn't get better for me in terms of mental health, and I meant this in the most positive way. The Man Cave has changed that for the better and that's unreal to me. Come to the cave, zero expectations or agenda and pay attention to how it makes you feel. Then you'll get it. Pure love.

- Lloyd

" I started going to the Man Cave back in May when I felt really lost in life. I was suffering from heavy anxiety, depression and coming to the realisation I had an undiagnosed neural divergency my entire life. The Man Cave has given me a place to be myself wholeheartedly. It has become a routine part of my week. I look forward to going as it gives me a place to vent my raw emotions and feelings without judgement. Each week I get to decompress and unpack in a room with other men who truly understand how I feel. I have made some truly amazing friends from the Man Cave, and also gained an amazing support network that I know I can reach out to at any given time, and there will be a bunch of guys there ready to get my back and help pick me up when I fall. Without it, I would still be lost."

- Nick

" I joined the Man Cave after a recommendation from a mutual friend of the founder. My friend knew I had struggled for many years with alcohol, drug abuse and ultimately my mental health (anxiety, severe panic attacks and seizures). I'd tried many support networks but ultimately failed. I was sick and tired and after another embarrassing set of episodes, failed relationships and arrests, I attended the Man Cave for the first time. I haven't looked back. The Man cave is a safe place to share and grow amongst like-minded men all with our own individual struggles. Brotherhood, vulnerability, support, talking therapies, breath work, cold water therapy and a better perspective on my life are just a few of the things the Man Cave has taught or given me. I could go on.... Lastly a completely new set of friends, people who choose a lighter path and are willing to put the action in to move forward. Some great social events too. I no longer drink alcohol, take illicit drugs or behave in a way that could cause harm to myself or others. I have been able to put my kids first again, keep my job, all as a knock on effect of the work done in the Cave. Forever grateful to this group and its founding members.... if it weren't for this structure and support.... I don't even want to know where I'd be."

- Rick

Read more stories from men who have been through tough times, can encourage other men to seek help. More stories from real men can be found here.