Empower Your Mind and Body - Where Every Man Matters
Achieve wellness through mindfulness and fitness.
Empower Your Mind and Body - Where Every Man Matters
Achieve wellness through mindfulness and fitness.
About Mersey Mindset
Our Story
Mersey Mindset began with a football team — but quickly became something much more powerful.
In 2024, a group of men came together to play football and help improve their physical health through sport. But as the weeks went on, something deeper began to surface. It became clear that many of the men were not just struggling with their weight — they were also facing serious mental health challenges.
Stress, anxiety, depression, isolation — these weren’t just side conversations. They were real, present, and deeply affecting the lives of many men in the group. The football pitch had become a safe space where men could talk without judgment. A space where community, honesty, and mutual support took centre stage.
From this shared understanding, Mersey Mindset was born.
Rather than continue as part of a national scheme, a decision was made to break away and create a Community Interest Company (CIC) — a grassroots, locally-focused organisation dedicated to improving men’s mental and physical wellbeing across Merseyside. This move allowed us to open our arms wider, reaching not just men interested in weight loss, but anyone in need of connection, support, or a safe place just to be.
This is Mersey Mindset.
Where mental health matters. Where you belong.
Our Mission
Improving Men's Mental Health Through Community, Connection and Physical Activity
At Mersey Mindset, we believe that prevention is just as important as treatment when it comes to mental health and wellbeing.
Our mission is simple:
To help men from all backgrounds take charge of their mental health through physical activity, peer support, and a strong community network.
We recognise that many men face challenges with their mental health but often struggle to seek help, speak openly about their feelings, or access support when they need it. For some, the barriers can be stigma, isolation, long waiting lists, or simply not knowing where to turn.
Our aim is to provide support before individuals reach crisis point and require professional intervention. By creating opportunities for men to stay physically active, build meaningful connections, and become part of a supportive community, we hope to improve both mental and physical well-being at an earlier stage.
Prevention Through Physical Activity
Research consistently shows that regular physical activity can have a significant positive impact on mental health. Exercise can help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression while improving confidence, self-esteem, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
Through activities such as football, padel, walking groups, cycling, hiking, and community events, we provide accessible opportunities for men to improve their health while enjoying the benefits of being part of a team and a community.
However, Mersey Mindset is about much more than sport.
Every session creates opportunities for conversation, friendship, support, and connection. We know that some of the most important discussions happen before, during, and after an activity, when men feel comfortable enough to open up and share their experiences with others who understand.
Supporting the Wider Health System
Professional mental health services play a vital role in supporting people during difficult times. However, many services across the country continue to face increasing demand and lengthy waiting lists.
By encouraging men to engage in positive wellbeing activities, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and access peer support at an earlier stage, we hope to help reduce pressure on the NHS and other professional support services.
While Mersey Mindset is not a replacement for professional mental health care, we aim to complement existing services by providing preventative support and creating pathways that help individuals maintain their well-being before, during, and after receiving professional treatment.
We also support men who have already accessed counselling, therapy, or other mental health services and are looking for ways to remain active, connected, and resilient as they continue their recovery journey. Our community helps members maintain positive routines, stay socially engaged, and reduce the risk of relapse through ongoing support and encouragement.
Why Mersey Mindset Matters
Men’s mental health is in crisis — both nationally and here in the North West.
UK Mental Health & Suicide Statistics
- 1 in 8 men in the UK have a common mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety, or stress-related disorders.
- Men are less likely than women to access psychological therapies (only 36% of NHS referrals are men).
- Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK.
- In 2023, three-quarters (76%) of all UK suicides were male.
- The highest suicide rates are in men aged 40–49.
North West of England Specific Stats
- The North West consistently records some of the highest male suicide rates in the country.
- In 2022, the male suicide rate in the North West was 17.3 deaths per 100,000, above the national average.
- Areas such as Liverpool, Wirral, and St Helens have seen growing mental health needs, particularly among working-class men facing unemployment, financial hardship, or social isolation.