July at Sean’s Place
July at Sean’s Place was exceptionally busy with lots of new members joining the service as well as us rolling out some exciting new social support opportunities for our lovely members. It’s been amazing to see fresh faces becoming part of our community and also to witness the continued commitment of our long-standing members who help to create such a welcoming and supportive environment.
At Sean’s Place, our members are always at the heart of everything we do. When we plan new sessions or review our existing timetable, we make sure that the thoughts, views and lived experiences of our members come first. One of the ways we do this is through our regular member surveys, which we send out every few months. These surveys are a really valuable tool, giving us an honest picture of what’s working well, what people enjoy the most, and what else they would like to see introduced in the future.
Our July member survey brought us some fantastic ideas for new opportunities and gave us plenty of food for thought about how we can continue to grow. We were also incredibly touched by the feedback we received. Many of our members shared powerful stories about how Sean’s Place has made a positive difference to their mental health, outlook and confidence. Hearing that our sessions have helped people feel less isolated, build friendships, and discover new coping tools is exactly why we do what we do.
This feedback doesn’t just make us proud – it motivates us to keep pushing forward, creating a space where men feel supported, valued, and heard. The ideas shared will directly shape the next steps for Sean’s Place, from new activities and peer support opportunities, to social events that bring people together in fun and uplifting ways. Here are some of the things our members said about their experience at Sean’s Place…
‘‘I can’t speak highly enough ofn the team for the support…for the teams kindness and support”
”Without Sean’s Place I really don’t know what I’d do or where I’d be”
”All the classes that Sean’s Place offer are absolutely amazing and inclusive to everyone”
”Sean’s Place saved my life, I’m certain about that…From the moment you walk in to the minute you leave you feel valued for who you are”
Our team are always so grateful for the lovely feedback from our members and it offers us great reassuance that we are chagning lives for the better and always so incredibly proud of each and every person for their bravery in reaching out for support.
New for Sean’s Place…
At Sean’s Place, we pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive service that welcomes men from all backgrounds, walks of life and, of course, ages. One of the most rewarding things to witness is the way friendships naturally form between people who may never have crossed paths outside of Sean’s Place. Bringing together men with different histories, experiences and interests creates a unique atmosphere where everyone has something valuable to share – and where genuine understanding and support can flourish.
Over the past year, we’ve noticed that we have a growing number of more mature members who are looking for opportunities to enjoy some well-deserved time for themselves later in life. For many of these gentlemen, Sean’s Place has become not just a support service, but also a gateway to new friendships, cultural experiences, and a chance to reconnect with the world around them. Recognising this, we are delighted to have launched a brand-new group especially for our more mature chaps.
We kicked things off in July with a fantastic day out in the city centre, exploring some of the incredible attractions we are so lucky to have right here on our doorstep. From cultural landmarks to hidden gems, the trip gave our members a chance to chat, laugh, and enjoy discovering something new together. The feedback has been brilliant – many of the men spoke about how uplifting it was to be part of a group where they felt comfortable, valued, and able to share their own stories.
This is just the beginning. We are really excited to watch this group grow and to continue creating opportunities that celebrate the rich life experience our mature members bring. Whether it’s more cultural outings, relaxed social gatherings, or simply offering a space to talk and connect, we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
Out & About in July
At Sean’s Place, we know how important it is to make the most of the sunshine when we get it, and we love giving our members the chance to enjoy the outdoors together. Spending time outside not only boosts physical health, but also has a powerful impact on mental wellbeing – helping to lift moods, reduce stress and bring people closer together. That’s why we make a big effort to use our local community spaces, parks, lakes and beaches whenever we can, offering our members opportunities to soak up the fresh air, take in the surroundings and get some gentle exercise along the way.
Throughout July, we held a variety of outdoor sessions including regular walking groups, cycling adventures and peaceful angling days at the lake. These activities are designed to suit different interests and fitness levels, so whether our members fancy a relaxed stroll along the beach, a chance to sit back and enjoy the calm of fishing, or a more energetic challenge like a 40k cycle through rolling hills, there’s always something to get involved in.
What makes these sessions so special is the sense of camaraderie that develops as members share the experience together – encouraging each other up a steep hill, laughing over a catch at the lake, or simply chatting side by side on a walk. The outdoor setting gives everyone a chance to connect in a natural, relaxed way, and it was fantastic to see so many of our members embrace these opportunities throughout July.
We’re committed to keeping these sessions running throughout the summer and beyond, adapting them to suit the seasons so that our members always have a chance to stay active, social and connected to nature. Whether it’s cycling, walking, fishing or trying out new activities, we’re proud to offer experiences that help support both body and mind while strengthening the friendships that lie at the heart of Sean’s Place.
Counselling sessions provided in July
Social Support Sessions provided in July
Men attended Sean's Place in July
Huge Thanks!!
Throughout the month of July, some of our incredible team, members and supporters were eager to take our message out into the wider community – raising awareness of men’s mental health and reminding people everywhere that it’s okay not to be okay, and that support is always available. They wanted to do something bold, visible and inspiring to capture attention and spark conversations… and that’s exactly what they did – but this time, they did it on wheels! 🚴♂️
All month long, these amazing men threw themselves into a series of cycling challenges across different locations, riding proudly with Sean’s Place in their hearts and determination in their pedals. Not only were they spreading an important message everywhere they went, but they were also raising vital funds to keep our service thriving. Their rides weren’t just symbolic – they were tough, gruelling, and required months of planning, training and sheer perseverance. From steep hills and long miles to unpredictable weather, they pushed through every obstacle with courage and resilience.
The impact of their efforts has been nothing short of incredible. Together, they raised thousands of pounds for Sean’s Place – money that will go directly into supporting our sessions, creating new opportunities, and reaching even more men who need a safe space to talk, connect and heal. Beyond the financial support, their rides also helped open up conversations in the community about mental health, inspiring other men to take that first step in reaching out for help.
We couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved. To every rider who trained, fundraised, and cycled with such passion – thank you. You’ve made a real difference, not only for Sean’s Place, but for every man who may see your efforts and realise that they don’t have to struggle alone. We hope you feel as proud of yourselves as we do of you, because your strength and dedication truly embody the spirit of Sean’s Place.
Members Achievements
Throughout the first half of the year, our Sean’s Place members have really stepped up and embraced the wide range of opportunities we’ve put on offer. From learning new skills to building confidence and expanding horizons, there have been so many achievements, and we never want to miss a chance to celebrate every single one of them.
Over the past few months, our members have taken part in an impressive variety of programmes and courses. These have included British Sign Language and other language courses, understanding mental health sessions, stress awareness programmes, and even First Aid training, to name just a few. Each course represented a chance to learn something new, challenge themselves, and gain practical skills that they can carry forward into everyday life.
To honour these fantastic achievements, we brought everyone together for a celebratory BBQ in the garden – a special afternoon full of laughter, good food, and togetherness. The event featured an awards ceremony and live music, giving us all the perfect opportunity to recognise hard work, dedication, and personal growth. It was an incredibly memorable and emotional afternoon, one that left everyone feeling proud, inspired, and more connected as a community.
Well done to everyone on your amazing accomplishments! Your commitment, resilience, and willingness to take on new challenges is truly inspiring. We are so proud of each and every one of you, and we can’t wait to see what new adventures, learning opportunities, and achievements the rest of the year brings for our members at Sean’s Place.
