The kingsmen was founded by Philip Monaghan after two of his close friends took their own lives. Philip realised the stigma surrounding men's mental health and wanted men to speak more openly about their problems. Philip knows to well the fear men have talking about their problems as he himself suffered for many years from anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
Philip has been in private practice in the mental health service for 25 years and has helped thousands of people over the years. One of the reasons Philip said men don't talk is the stigma on a social level that men have to be strong and keep their emotions in check to hide them from society as its deemed as a weakness by most men. The aim of the kingsmen is to bring mens mental health awareness into the public eye.
Bury Times
Psychotherapist gives back to town with free support group
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.
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 so I understand how people think.
“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.
If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Heywoodharriet_ or email [email protected].