Altrad’s Richard McHugh creates men’s mental health support group in Bassetlaw, North England

Altrad’s Richard McHugh, Asbestos Supervisor, Surveyor and Co-Ordinator, set up a men’s mental health support group called ‘In Sam’s name’ to give men in Bassetlaw, North England, and the surrounding area a safe space where they can talk and get things off their chest.

After the unfortunate passing of his close friend Sam, whom the group is named after, Richard decided to set up a support group in his community in order to provide guidance and support to any men in the area who may be suffering from mental health issues, with the aim being to prevent others from finding themselves with no one to turn to.

The group holds fortnightly meetings in Worksop, North England, as well as monthly ‘walk and talks’. They also take part in sponsored events, recently completing an 18-mile walk from Worksop Town FC’s home ground to their away game at Sheffield FC, raising more than £1500.

Richard commented “In Sam’s name is important to me as it is a legacy and an honour to Sam. The community of Worksop have backed the group by displaying posters, sponsorship boards and beermats in business, pubs, barbers, football clubs and doctor’s surgeries. The group offers a great outlet for men who are struggling and have been struggling and find strength by breaking the stigma by talking about issues they may be going through. In Sam’s name is also a founder member of the Bassetlaw Suicide Prevention Alliance and by holding meetings over the last year we have seen a positive impact on men who have attended.”

If you would like to donate to their GoFundMe, you can do so via this link:

You can join the In Sam’s name Facebook group here: www.facebook.com/groups/457132082431436/

They can also be found on Twitter: www.twitter.com/InSamsname1