The monthly Men’s Mental Health Meet-up, hosted by Macon Mental Health Matters (MMGM) and the Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) program, will conclude its first series of meetings on Tuesday, July 23, at 7:00 p.m. at Churchills on Cherry (557 Cherry Street). Another series of meet-ups will be announced at a later date once organizers take time to evaluate the program and begin to expand its reach.

“We are creating a safe space for men to talk about their challenges and mental health, and the response has overwhelmingly been thankful, supportive, and caring,” says MVP Coordinator Jeremy Grissom. “Men often do not focus on their own feelings or mental health due to societal expectations on what it means to be a man, but we want them to know that it’s okay to not be okay.”

“We want them to know people care.”

Grissom hosts the meet-up, giving men a chance to take a break, reflect on their lives, seek advice, and realize that they are not alone in what they face. No matter the story told, no matter the feelings conveyed, no matter the struggles discussed nor the challenges, each was met with affirmative nods and knowing looks…and words of encouragement and support.

Grissom let them know that that was exactly what the gatherings were for, to provide a purposeful place where men could get together without any boundaries and with guards let down, all to support each other.

You can find more information on the MMHM website and by following MMHM on Facebook.