An experienced psychotherapist is funding a free support group in Radcliffe to help combat anxiety and depression.
Philip Monaghan, 61, from Radcliffe, has been a psychotherapist for more than 25 years and decided it was time to utilise his training and skills to benefit the community.
The Kingsmen support group meet at St Philip's Community Centre on Higher Dean Street in Radcliffe every Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm for men aged 18 and over to have a brew and socialise.
Still working as a psychotherapist, Phillip uses his free time and personal funds to help the Kingsman group along with support from businesses and several donations.
Speaking about his decision to fund and found the group, he said: “The aim is to create more awareness as many men don’t talk about their problems.
“They tend to keep it to themselves out of pride rather than ask for help.
“Over the last few years I've lost a few friends who took their own lives and because people know what job I do, I find a lot of people offloading on me.
“That’s why I have decided to step up to the plate and give people the support they need in Radcliffe.”
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Phillip added that anyone, locally or travelling in, can come to the group and has also donated his van to the community for anyone needing transport to the meetings.
He added that although the group is relatively new, it has been especially useful for many over 50s who may be on their own most of the time.
After launching the Kingsmen group on November 29, Phillip said the group has been going from strength to strength.
He added: “It's still in its early stages but, so far so good and this kind of thing can be really useful, especially this time of year.
“I've been in mental health services for over 25 years now so I understand how people think.
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“That is why I am thinking of running workshops too and bringing in guest speakers once a month.”
Now looking for potential sponsors and more funding, the group will be visited by the mayor of Bury, Cllr Shaheen Haroon, on January 24.
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