Offload, Carlisle aiming to reduce mental health stigma

Offload was set up by Liam Edmondson in 2019, as he struggled to find somewhere for men to talk openly about mental health issues in Carlisle. 

Now, five years on, the charity meets three times a week in Carlisle and Penrith, providing both casual meet-ups and activity evenings. 

Unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to talking about mental health, and many men don't feel able to share their feelings with close friends. 

So, to spread the word of what Offload can offer, the charity has launched a new initiative providing beer mats to local pubs and restaurants, with a QR code that will take interested people straight to their website. 

Founder Liam Edmondson said: "It seems to have hit off on social media, people are really relating to it. We've got a lot of pubs interested, I've already had to order more."

Offload are looking to attract more local pubs and restaurants to get involved, and ask for a small donation in return.

The beer mats in question (Image: Offload)

While Liam feels that mental health services in Cumbria have improved in recent years, there is always more work to be done. 

He said: "I think men's mental health in the area has really taken off. When we started in 2019, I think we were the only group, but now there's a lot more. It's great that that is there, because if one group doesn't fit, you can go and try another.

"There is always more work that could be done and we always have to continue pushing the message because there is definitely still a toxic masculinity element where one friend in a group might not be confident enough to speak out in front of their friends. That is why we offer this, should that situation occur. It is definitely progressing, the attitude has really changed, but there is always work to be done."

Offload will provide some free sample beer mats, but are asking local businesses to get in touch about supporting the charity.