"Going to the gym was great. I had stopped looking after myself physically. Doing a bit of weight training made me feel positive. It was good to get out with the lads, have a chat, do some exercise and go home. I am now much more open to physical exercise and can see how it might help."
(Quote from participant)

HEADSUP provides a taster programme of physical activities that can be done as an individual or as part of a group.  This element of our programme recognises the strong correlation between good physical and mental health.  It is well researched that even 30 minutes exercise per day can have a massive benefit to overall health and heart health. As each participant may have various physical abilities, each physical activity piece goes at a pace that supports everyone.  These sessions are aimed at increasing men's fitness levels, improving mood and enhancing a sense of wellbeing.  They also aim to improve the team spirit and connectedness to others in the group. Often each area works together with their local sports partnership and develop a specific programme to meet the physical needs of the participants in each group. In the past the programme has incorporated  ‘couch to 3k’ programme, chair yoga, 5-aside football and kick-boxing classes.

“This has given me a framework of services in which I can explore moves that I may wish to make, and I am grateful for that because I was ignorant of most of those services”
(Quote from participant)

The Life Planning pillar supports the participants to build a new life direction, enhance their self-esteem, explore pathways to change their thinking as well as identify supports that can help them realise that change. Life Planning provides information on pathways to work, education, volunteering or other activities that promotes a sense of wellbeing. Participants explore blocks or barriers that are preventing them from achieving and learn to develop a plan that will enable them to progress. Key services available in the community are facilitated to input into each programme, thus ensuring men are equipped with greater knowledge of services and supports available. Participants gain greater awareness of themselves, their skills, qualities and abilities as well as becoming more aware of the types of environments where they can flourish. Each participant develops their own life plan which identifies the goals and actions they wish to focus on beyond the programme.

“Before I started on the programme I felt like I was looking in at the world. It was like a foggy window and I was looking in. now I feel part of the world around me. I am part of wider society. It’s very hard to describe how positive this feels”. (Quote from participant)

This Positive Social Support pillar is about enhancing social connection through group work and male camaraderie. Many participants have found themselves feeling isolated and alone in their family or community, they may have lost employment, experienced a relationship break up or feeling lost. During the programme a space is created for men to be themselves, share and learn from others, reflect and relax and feel less isolated as they experience the power of mutual support "realising you are not the only one". They build connections with each other, improve their confidence and begin to recognise the importance of having supports in place to enhance their wellbeing.

Each programme offers links to other social supports within the community as well as organising events that encourage men to come together.