A new peer support group for men struggling with mental health issues, "Man Down," is set to launch in Calne on 5th June, offering a safe and confidential space for men to connect and support each other.
This initiative follows the success of similar groups established in Trowbridge, Melksham, and Devizes.
Chris Smith, the Area Manager for Man Down Wiltshire, was inspired to start the group after his own experiences with anxiety and depression.
"I felt that I couldn't burden family with my issues, but was desperate to improve my mental health," he explained.
After struggling to find a suitable local support group, Chris turned to the NHS and eventually found help through the Olive Branch charity in Chippenham.
Driven by a desire to help other men avoid a similar struggle, Chris partnered with Man Down, a Cornwall-based organisation expanding nationwide to address the critical need for men's mental health support.
Man Down operates as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, run entirely by volunteers. "We provide regular informal peer support talking groups free of charge for men (18+) with mental health issues and concerns," Chris said.
The groups are drop-in, free, and held in a relaxed, respectful environment. Confidentiality and non-judgmental support are key principles, with refreshments provided.
Members also have access to a dedicated Man Down app with a chat function for each group.
Since launching its first Wiltshire group in Trowbridge, Man Down has seen significant demand. As of May 15th, 2025, 170 individual men have attended the Wiltshire groups, with a total of 639 attendances across 42 meetings.
"I opened my first Wiltshire group in Trowbridge on the 3rd September 2024, with an ambition given time, to have a group in every Wiltshire town.
"Five men were brave enough to walk through the door of that first meeting. Following the meeting, I received a message via the app: 'Tonight has been such a relief and to realise I’m not alone like when X and Y was comparing with my situation that I wasn’t alone for 1st time in over 10 years', apart from bringing a lump to my throat, it was validation that there was the necessity for this type of group and it confirmed that the level of need
is there."
Man Down is actively seeking volunteers to help facilitate meetings. If you're interested in supporting men's mental health in Wiltshire, please visit the Man Down website for more information.
The new Man Down group will meet fortnightly in Calne starting 5th June, 2025 at Beversbrook Sports and Community Centre from 7pm to 9pm. No booking is required.
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