Rotherham music group set up to help men’s mental health

The Musical Expressions group meets at the Studios on High Street in the town centre (next to the former Primark store) on Mondays from 10am.

Run by the Friends of Gillian Banks charity, it is aimed at men who need mental health support or feel isolated, lonely or vulnerable.

Members meet and listen to music and write and play their own music.

Friends chairman Martyn Howells said the charity had been given a grant by the NHS to organise the sessions, adding: “Statistics for male suicide have been on the increase and support is sometimes not available or isn’t taken up by men because of various reasons — male pride being one of them.

“This music group allow mens to come together and express their feelings through musical activities — song writing, playing and listening to music or just talking others.

“The sessions are open to anyone at risk of mental illness or anyone who has engaged before with mental health support networks.”

Call Martyn 07836 259146 for more information.