A HOLISTIC approach will be taken by a working group who are looking to set up a men’s mental hub in Knightswood.

Garscadden/Scotstounhill councillor Michael Cullen, who has previously shared his own story of depression, is one of four local figures involved in the project.

Cllr Cullen, who says there are three options where the hub could be based, hopes the facility will include counselling services, peer support groups and an aspect of the Men’s Shed idea with community allotments.

It will be designed in a way that prevents stigmatisation in a building that offers a range of services so that it is not obvious where a person is going.

Cllr Cullen said: “I have always wanted to get people talking about male mental health and I enjoyed being part of a different working group with Glasgow City Council to see what we could do to address stigmatisation.

“There are many empty rooms in sports and community halls which could offer a counselling service.

“This is probably one of my proudest moments as a councillor. I hope it will benefit people of all different ages.”

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The hub offers different services to people across Glasgow and other local authorities, including West Dunbartonshire.

Input into the project has been received from a young person from the area, someone who has experience looking after the older generations ,and a policeman who is also a trained counsellor. Their names have not yet been disclose.

Cllr Cullen continued: "This is about overcoming toxic masculinity. Five years ago I would not have spoken about my mental health.

“We are still to reach a stage where there is no stigma involved because mental health could affect anybody.

“In the past men have been encouraged not to have feelings but we need to be open with each other.

“We need to be approachable. Our two main themes will be equality and openness and there is a big appetite for this sort of group in Knightswood.”

The working group has also sought advice from the DRC (Dumbarton Road Corridor) Youth Project which works with socially excluded kids in Yoker, Scotstoun and Whiteinch.