New men's mental health support group launched for Mansfield and Ashfield

Mike Klimek, or Pleasley, has set up the group, the first of its kind in Nottinghamshire, to help men feel more comfortable opening up.

The first meeting will take place on March 4 with men of all ages encouraged to join members of The Stable Man at Unwin Social Club in Sutton at 7pm.

Father-of-one Mike, who has suffered from depression, anxiety and panic attacks over the last six years, says he would have benefited from something like this when he was struggling.

"I do still have bad days, I haven't fully recovered from it but I have coping mechanisms to help me now,” he said.

"I have hit rock bottom, I have had my daughter taken away from me because I was told I was unstable.

"I told a doctor everything, about how I was feeling and they got in touch with social services and that I couldn't see her until I am fit.

"I hope that people can come and talk and listen to each other and learn from each other.

"To feel that you are understood because and we are all there for the same reason."

The 30-year-old, set up the Stable Man group on Facebook over two years ago but only decided to organise a meeting for people to attend in person recently.

The group has over 250 members from all over the world, including Australia and Japan.

Mike explained why he chose to make the group and their first in person support session, for men only.

"I had my wife and sister starting to to help me with the group while I was at work,” he said.

"I had two messages saying 'men don't feel comfortable talking with women there' because they all think women will judge them, which obviously isn't true.

"There is a lot of help out there for women, there is nothing out there for men."

Mike, who works as a plant technician, has been labelled a 'racist' and a 'sexist' for his decision to prevent women from joining his online space.

"It's online backlash mainly, when I first set up the group women were trying to join the group.

"I have to decline them and then I always send them a message saying why.

"They then say they are going to report me, that it's sexist and racist - all because I just want to try and do something good."

Those attending the meeting in March can enjoy free beverages from coffee and tea to juice.

Mike hopes to encourage men who would usually feel put off by discussing their feelings to join them on the night.

"There is nothing to be afraid of, there is nothing to be scared about.

"It's called The Stable Man because a psychiatric nurse said I was unstable.

"You have nothing to lose but by coming along you are just going to gain."