John Kirby, a man from Eastbourne, credits joining a cold water swimming group with changing his life and helping him confront mental health challenges. The group, called Cold Club, organizes year-round cold water swimming sessions for men at Eastbourne beach and is affiliated with Mankind, a men’s mental health charity.
The Cold Club provides a “safe space” for men to openly discuss their struggles, a benefit that Kirby describes as “amazing.” His participation in the group has been transformative, particularly following a difficult period in his life after the breakdown of his marriage.
“To suddenly have that break of now being on my own, not knowing where to go, who to turn to, it felt like my whole life had ended,” Kirby explained. His first experience with Mankind’s support left a lasting impact—he began crying and said, “everything just came out.”
He added, “I realized it was just genuine guys who probably couldn’t talk to anyone else, but it was in a safe space. Guys talking to guys. Since then, it’s been amazing.”
In addition to swimming, Kirby values the friendships he has formed with other Mankind members. He attends Cold Club on Sundays, where he feels connected to a community that will remain important throughout his life.
Ian Pickard, co-founder of Mankind, also has a personal story behind his involvement in the charity. The death of a close friend to suicide profoundly affected Pickard, leading him to create a space where men could openly discuss their mental health challenges. He recalled his friend as “the life and soul of the party” and emphasized that many men mask their true feelings, often putting on a front to hide their struggles.
Nick Carling, a psychotherapeutic counsellor, noted the rise of men’s groups like Mankind and Cold Club across the UK. He remarked that attitudes toward therapy are evolving, with more men beginning to embrace vulnerability and seek support.
“It’s difficult for men to open up, but the tide is turning,” Carling said. “More men are realizing the importance of talking about their mental health, and groups like these are helping to create that shift.”
Mankind’s dedication to supporting men’s mental health has been recognized this year with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, highlighting its invaluable contribution to the community.
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