Who is GHU aimed at helping and what is the criteria?
Men aged 18-70 who live in Lambeth, or have a GP in Lambeth. Who are able to participate safely and appropriately in a group environment.
 
What kind of groups are run at GHU?
There are two types. Get it of your chest men’s peer support group aimed at making connection's, suicide prevention and mental health/wellbeing, reducing isolation and stigma around men’s struggles, creating awareness and education about men’s health conditions, and more... Pain talk support group for men living with long term health conditions or pain, or other similar situations, to talk and share to relieve pressure. Both types aim to provide a safe space where men can offload, build resilience in an empathetic community, share experiences and struggles without embarrassment to gain support from others-develop/navigate coping strategies for better health/wellbeing-Forming social networks.
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What GHU is not?
A crisis service. A counselling or psychotherapy service. A one-to-one support service. An emergency mental health service. A specialist group - GHU is suicide-aware, but not a suicide-specialist service.
 
How many members attend a group?
The number varies each time. Between 4 -14 normally of varied ages/nationalities/backgrounds.
 
Who runs the group?
There are always 2 trained facilitator’s present who guide.
 
Who gives support during a group?
If support is needed in a group, this is a group effort and comes from the group peer members and can also come from lived experience facilitators at times.
 
I’m anxious about speaking out in a group. Do I have to?
There is no pressure to talk during any parts of a group- sometimes just being in a space with likeminded men, building connections, and hearing others who understand your struggles, can be enough. Members are not asked about their past or any personal details and can share as little as they like.
 
While we completely understand how difficult and uncomfortable it can be to join a group and speak in front of people, we would expect a member to say name and let us know that they are OK when asked. This is so the facilitators and group can support if needed.
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Is there a structure?
Yes. A typical group runs over 2 hours and follows a basic structure each time made up of 2 parts; Click here to view the structure!​
 
If I cannot make a group, will I be penalised?
No. Not at all. It is up to you if you come to a group or not. We only ask as a new member, you attend your 1st group within 4 months of referral and try to stay for the whole group to see the structure and how it works.
 
How many groups do I need to attend?
There is no set amount. Once a SUN member, you can come to as many – or as little – groups as needed
 
Do I need to let you know when I am attending a group?
A first group is booked for new members, but after it would be helpful if members drop us an email or text to let us know they are attending a group at least 2 hours before, so we can have an idea of numbers. But you are welcome to turn up regardless.
 
Can I leave a group when I want to?
Yes of course, there is no pressure to stay for the entirety of a group. You can step out for a breather any time you need if things feel heavy.
 
Can my carer/support worker come along with me?
You are welcome to bring a carer/support worker/relative/friend, but due to confidentiality they will not be able to enter the room. They are welcome to wait outside for you, or leave and come back to collect you.
 
Other than groups, when and where are GHU events and social activities?
From time-to-time GHU will run educational awareness events and connection building social activities for members. When arranged, these (with time/date/location/how to attend) will be advertised on the GHU website and also details of such sent to all members.  
 
I find it hard to retain information?
During a group, members can offer support and discuss/share experiences to help others. Throughout each group, facilitators write up a record of the things discussed– “Group reflections”. These can be sent to you if needed.  You are welcome also to bring a note pad and take notes if members agree (please remember to keep confidential and not record identifiable information).
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Is a group confidential?
A group is confidential and is held in a secure confidential space.  We also address confidentiality at the start of every group and ask all members not to disclose information outside of the group. GHU only stores basic contact and attendance information (e.g. date and time you attended a group) and if there were any themes supported with. We do not record detailed notes. We do record safety planning/concerns. Such information will only ever be shared in cases of emergency, safety. 
 
What does the group cover and support with?
Anything can be discussed in a group, depending on what group is attended. There is no specific set subject, it depends on what members bring on the day to offload or gain support with. Depending on the group’s needs. Sometimes no support may be needed - and mahybe members have come to catch up or just chat and be around each other. Examples of some themes that may be discussed; Pain, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, boundaries and regulation, self-image, confidence issues, isolation, PTSD, no purpose, anxiety, anger, men’s health and body issues, toxic masculinity, loss, grief, struggles, loneliness, relationship struggles, and much more…… A group also, always prioritises safety concerns at any time should there be a concern.
 
I am neurodiverse and sometimes need to use an object to focus?
This is no problem at all. You are welcome to bring and use a fidget toy/item/object or some other thing/practice that helps you as long as the group is not disrupted. If you have a specific need, please discuss with your facilitator so they can see what can be done to support you better. You are also asked this question on your self-referral form, so this can be discussed in your initial call with us or at any time with facilitators.
 
Are there toilet facilities?
Yes, and the location of such will vary depending on your group – Details will be sent to you with your welcome email that will include location details for your chosen group. At your group, facilitators will also let you know where they are.
 
I have mobility issues?
We do our best to meet mobility needs and accessibly varies depending on location. Details of such will be sent to you with your welcome email that will include accessibility information for your chosen group. You are also asked this question on your self-referral form, so this can be discussed in your initial call with us or at any time with facilitators.
 
Being OK!
Being asked if you are OK is away for facilitators and members to check in with you. If a member answers NO to being OK, facilitators will ask further about this, and the reason. Where a possible safety concern can be identified, yourself (and the group) may be asked if we can look at our member CAS card to help put a safety plan together for you.
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