The Florrie Men's Walking Group and Florrie staff took on a challenge in the name of Men's Mental Health Awareness.
The Florrie, started a fundraising effort to support men's mental health over two days, October 12 to 13. Over 40 men embarked on a 24-hour fundraising walk around Liverpool.
The walk was a relay starting and finishing at The Florrie, on Mill Street in L8. Groups of walkers undertook a four-hour leg before passing the baton to the next team over the 24 hours.
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Lead of The Florrie Men's Walking Group Tony Caveny told the ECHO: "We believe by coming together as a community we can make a tangible impact on men's mental health. This event is an opportunity for everyone to rally behind this cause, whether through a small donation or a more substantial contribution".
Men's mental health remains a serious cause for concern, and The Florrie wants to lead by example in its approach to raising awareness and providing support.
The walk left The Florrie at 10am yesterday, October 12, and ended at 10am this morning. One group walked to Princes Park, around Sefton Park, to Calderstones Park and back, while another group headed to the city centre and around town and back again.
Tony said: "Every bit counts and will directly support the men who attend the walking group, which also offers a free counselling service. You can show your support and be a part of this journey by donating to the fundraiser on GoFundMe.
“Together, we can inspire change and make a real difference in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges.”
The NHS found a large percentage of those sleeping rough have mental health issues, and that 87% of rough sleepers are men. They also stated the ONS found, in a 2020 report, that in 2019, 76% of suicides in England and Wales were men and their findings also say suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45.
Walking group member, Paul, 43 said: "After serious injury WalkFlorrie has helped my recovery both mentally and physically. I’ve been able to put the trauma behind me and start to move forward”.
Ernie, 76 said: “Due to the loss of my wife, loneliness and depression hit me hard. My daughter advised WalkFlorrie and it has honestly been brilliant for me.
"I’ve met good friends. I now also attend other activities in The Florrie itself”.
Ian, 49 added: "Joining WalkFlorrie felt like I was In a different place from the start. I felt comfortable talking about things I hadn’t in the past.
"Also, after the loss of my mum, the support I received from the group helped me so much”.
Ian Broadhusrt from The Florrie said: “In our busy lives, taking care of our mental health is really important, not just for us but for everyone around us. Groups like our Men’s Wellbeing group are vital in bringing people together to support each other through difficult times. By working together, we can make a positive difference in our communities and beyond.”
The weekly men's walking group talks place each Monday and Friday from 10am, leaving from The Florrie. They welcome new members all the time and encourage men, 18 plus, to come along and join in.
The Florrie is open Monday to Friday offering a variety of activities for people of all ages with event spaces available for hire. They’re also home to The Florrie Food Union, an initiative aimed at combating food poverty in Liverpool.
For information on supporting The Florrie Walkathon visit HERE
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