Question 1

What is GHU

Accepted Answer

GHU (Guardian Here For You) is a non-profit for community interest, dedicated to supporting men. We run peer-led talking groups, men’s social activities, and community awareness events aimed at education, reducing isolation and stigma around men talking and sharing, as well as reducing suicide in men. The two types of groups offer a place for men to hang out, chat openly, and to offload what's on their mind without fear of judgement, or stigma. Or a space just to listen.NO MAN SHOULD SUFFER IN SILENCE. Or be alone.  Whether struggling with social connection, mental health, loneliness, physical pain, men's health concerns, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life, members will be welcomed by others who understand the importance of listening, supporting one another, socialising, and sharing lived experience.Talking isn't a sign of weakness— it's a sign of strength. By speaking openly, listening to one another, and standing together, we can build connections, find support when needed, and create hope for the future.                       By building supportive communities and fostering open conversations, we aim to break the stigma surrounding men’s health and speaking out, to reduce the number of male suicides. Together, we can save lives!

Question 2

Is there a criteria to use GHU?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Men aged 18-70 who live in Lambeth, or whom have a GP in Lambeth. Who are able to participate safely and appropriately in a group environment.

Question 3

What kind of groups are there?

Accepted Answer

There are two types. Get it of your chest men’s peer support group a friendly place to have a chat - aimed at making connection's, 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.

Question 4

How do I join a group?

Accepted Answer

We ask new members to book into a first group by filling in our quick 'one time' online form. After, no more booking is required and members can use any group on a drop-in basis. The registration form can be accessed by:clicking Join group on the groups page here, ordirectly by clicking here.If you need help filling in the form, please let us know and we will do this with you over the phone!Once a form is completed, a facilitator will reach out to you to book you in.

Question 5

Is GHU a crisis service?

Accepted Answer

No. GHU is not a crisis, counselling, NHS, therapy, one-to-one support, emergency mental health service. Or a specialist group.

Question 6

How many members attend a group?

Accepted Answer

The number varies each time. Between 4 -14 normally of varied ages/nationalities/backgrounds.

Question 7

Who runs the group?

Accepted Answer

There are always 2 trained facilitator’s present who guide.

Question 8

If needed, who gives support during a group?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Do I have to speak?

Accepted Answer

No. 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, can be enough- Members are not asked about their past or any personal details and can share as little as they like. Or members can just listen and be in the space.

Question 10

Is there a structure? How long does a group last?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A typical group runs up to 2 hours and follows a basic structure each time made up of two parts; 1st part called CHECK-IN, lasts up to 45mins:Structure explained.Group Rules read out to help the session run smoothly.Individual check-in - Members asked name - Snap shot of week or a word to sum it up!New member MAPs completed and discussion.10min break. 2nd part called GET IT OFF YOUR CHEST, lasts up to 1hr.5mins:A place to offload and share (or just sit and listen) for advice, a sympathetic understanding, peer support, or to learn coping strategies where needed. Themes mentioned in check-in may be suggested by facilitators for group to support with.Last 15mins is the CHECK-OUT- Members asked if Ok to leave - A question which may be funny or thought provoking to end on a positive note. GROUP REFLECTIONS are recorded by facilitators throughout for a reflective record of themes mentioned/supported with. No member names are recorded.MEMBER SAFETY always prioritised.

Question 11

What happens if I cannot make a group?

Accepted Answer

Nothing at all. It is up to members if they come to a group or not. We only ask new members to attend a 1st group within 4 months of signing up, and to try and stay for the whole group to see the structure and how it works.

Question 12

How many groups do I need to attend?

Accepted Answer

There is no pressure to attend a group/event/activity. There is also no minimum/maximum amount a member is expected to attend, or frequency.

Question 13

Do I need to book in?

Accepted Answer

A first group is booked for new members. After a first group, it would be helpful if members drop us an email or text to let us know they are attending. But you are welcome to turn up regardless on a drop-in basis.

Question 14

Can I leave a group when I want to?

Accepted Answer

Yes of course, there is no pressure to stay. You can step out at any time with no judgment from the group.

Question 15

Can I bring a friend?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to bring someone, 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.

Question 16

When and where are GHU events and social activities?

Accepted Answer

From time-to-time GHU will run educational awareness events in communities around men’s health issues, etc, and connection building social meetup 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.

Question 17

I find it hard to retain information?

Accepted Answer

During a group, members may offer support and discuss/share experiences to help others. Reflections are written up for a record of the things covered by facilitators, which can be sent to you if needed.  You are also welcome to bring a note pad and take notes if members agree (please remember to keep confidential and not record identifiable information).

Question 18

Is a group confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A group is confidential. 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 on members (e.g. date and time attended a group) and if there were any themes supported with. We do not record detailed notes. We do record any safety planning/concerns and such information will only ever be shared in cases of emergency, safety.

Question 19

What do the groups cover and support with?

Accepted Answer

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. Sometimes no support may be needed - and maybe members have come to catch up or just chat and be around each other. Examples of some themes that may be discussed at times; 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 member safety at any time.

Question 20

I am neurodiverse and sometimes need to use an object to focus?

Accepted Answer

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 about communication on your self-referral form, so this can be discussed in your initial call with us too.

Question 21

I have mobility issues?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

What if I am not OK!

Accepted Answer

Being asked if you are OK is a way 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 the CAS card to help put a safety plan together for you.

Question 23

How does the Membership work?

Accepted Answer

After a first group has been attended, members become a full member and can come to any GHU group or activity/event as needed. Membership is ongoing, unless a member states they no longer want it. Or if the membership is closed by GHU.

Question 24

What is a CAS card?

Accepted Answer

Although GHU is not a crisis, therapy, or emergency service, there may be times when members state they are not OK or feel at risk, or in crisis. The CAS card is something that is in each group that contains suggestions for safety planning and also services when experiencing an immediate mental health crisis. It can be used as a guide to refer to and help members where needed.

Question 25

What if I make a friend?

Accepted Answer

Friendships can be one of the most valuable outcomes of peer support.Our groups, events and social activities are about connection, reducing loneliness and creating opportunities for people to possibly build supportive connections, networks/friendships.We are happy for friendships to develop between members, both within and outside GHU activities. At the same time, it is important to remember that friendships are personal relationships and that GHU cannot be responsible for what happens between members outside of groups/activities.Please click here to view our guidance that is intended to help everyone stay safe, maintain healthy boundaries and enjoy positive friendships.

GHU FAQs

Below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers. If there are any FAQs you feel should be added here, please let us know by emailing Guardianhereforyou@outlook.com