A MAN who was moved to tackle men’s mental health culture after a friend’s suicide has put his thoughts into action.
Determined Kieran McGregor, from Pollok, blamed a “toxic” culture which left young men living in deprived areas across Glasgow with few options after leaving school.
Drink, drugs and unemployment tended to follow, said Kieran, which then led to a mental health crisis for people in their late teens and 20s.
Now the 28-year-old’s newly launched Sports Forever Foundation is gearing up to help change the way young people – particularly men – are facing their issues, making sure no-one is going it alone.
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He's already garnered the support of Greater Pollok Services and Pollok After School Care.
He said: “I know the young ones will think ‘we’re just living our lives’ but you’re not – being a part of this culture is ruining your future.
“Everything we’re exposed to within our community only leads to severe mental health [problems] and where is the funding to help with mental health?
“As long as I am breathing, I have a fair chance to make change and I will. The local community is noticing which fills me with pride that others are really helping push towards some change.”
As previously reported in the Glasgow Times mental health series in 2021, Kieran hopes to set up free clubs allowing young people to have access to sporting equipment without the hefty charges which accompany private facilities.
He's been working to gather funding, cut red tape and find help to turn those dreams into a reality.
Meanwhile, in an effort to keep the minds of men in his neighbourhood away from negativity, he’s set off climbing some of the country’s highest peaks, visiting lochs and trekking through woods with a gang of guys in tow.
Physically, it’s challenging, but it’s the mental work which comes along with it the group find most difficult.
The walks are designed to help forge a bond between the men and create a safe space for them to open up – crushing the systemic silence that Kieran blames for the worries the male sex often have about expressing their mental health concerns.
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Kieran – who previously admitted he “lost” 10 years of his life to drinking culture – said he and his small team have now dedicated their lives to improving the work of others throughout the scheme with the motto: “Gonna spend the rest of my life making other people feel less broken."
The group is continuing to plan more walks and events across the country as it strives to raise the funds to open a permanent centre on one of the area’s many underutilised plots of vacant space.
Anyone who can assist with the search is asked to contact the foundation via its social media channels.
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