Among the hustle and bustle of Manchester’s Christmas Markets, nine men sat on Market Street on Saturday.
You could well have walked past them while doing your Christmas shopping and not spotted any of them. The motley crew, perched outside an empty shop unit, will be there overnight, too.
That’s because they are from a group called Mandem Meetup, and are braving the elements for 24 hours over today (December 3) and tomorrow. The nine will be on the streets in town until 8am on Sunday.
READ MORE: “I find it nerve-racking”: What it's like to be disabled going around Manchester Christmas Markets
“Today we’re here because we’re trying to get funding for space in Eccles and Deansgate,” Jamie Dennis, CEO, explained. “That will provide a safe space for men to talk and provide them with community — we are a men's mental health community.
“We provide safe spaces for men to talk without judgement, and we're trying to remove the stigma around men's mental health. We provide homeless outreach and give our men purpose, for example we take men out to nature and first aid training and other physical activities like the gym.
“We are going to be in the city centre for 24 hours. We’ve been here for six hours, and we’ve seen generosity from some people.”
Fraser Leask, 33, was one of the nine sat with Jamie. He explained that often, members’ issues start with loneliness.
“That is what Mandem Meetup reminds people of. It reminds them they are connected,” he said. “We have the outreach every Wednesday at St Peter’s Square or Piccadilly Gardens to hand out clothes and amenities. It’s one of those spaces that reminds people they are not alone. Even if you feel like someone else is isolated there’s a commonality to break.”
The group hope that, should they get the funding, they will be able to maintain a presence on Deansgate for the long term.
You can support Mandem Meetup online by making a donation.
Read more of today's top stories here
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