About Us
Dedicated to creating a space where men feel seen, heard, and supported.
Why We’re Here
At Back and Forth Mens Mental Health, we understand the importance of men's mental health and the challenges men face in seeking support. That's why we have created a supportive community where men can come together to share their experiences, build strong connections, and promote overall well-being. Following the tragic passing of Marc Forth in April 2023, the idea for this group was formed. Men struggle to talk and sometimes become so consumed in their thoughts, they only see one way out. With the kind permission of Marcs family, his name was used to form the group, so that his memory and legacy will live on. If the group only helps one person to speak out, and get help, then it has been a success.
Make a Difference Today
Support our cause by making a donation.
Your contributions can make a real difference in the lives of men struggling with mental health. By donating, you help us create support groups, host events, and provide critical resources for those in need.
Our Founders
Just a few of the faces you can expect to see at one of our events
Dan Phillips
Kev Vince
Jon Barratt
Dale Hughes
Will Haynes
Dan's Story
It feels like a breakthrough week this week, a few of you have come forward and shared some really deep and personal stuff, which I am grateful for and thank you for your strength in doing so.
I’ve spoken here before about why I wanted to start the group and have said how the walks help me keep my emotions in check. I’m not running the walks or the group for any kind of recognition or pats on the back, I’m doing it because it’s personal to me and I need the group as much as anyone. I’ve lost people close to me, several of whom wish I had spoken to, and maybe things would be different. Losing Marc last year was the final straw really and it felt like there was nothing out there for people who were struggling. About 12 months ago I was sat here thinking would this idea work, and would people get involved?
Aside from that I’ve had personal battles with bereavements, the loss of twins, and I went off the rails for a while, before getting to marry Jen and realising my behaviour was hurting everyone around me.
My family have been a rock through it all, and included in that are the people in this group. Some I have never met in person, but the spirit and togetherness being created in here shows me that this off the cuff idea I had in the middle of a pretty bleak time last year, is beginning to become what I hoped it would be.
Don’t stop asking each other if you are ok. And ask twice!
As a group we will be here for you whenever you need us and my phone is always on and I will always answer. My door is open and the kettle is always on standby.
Thank you for making this group what it is, and for supporting me in getting it to where we are today.
One step at a time, one foot in front of the other. (I’m thinking of making that the groups motto)
I have many more ideas rattling around in this little brain of mine. Watch this space and let’s make this something that Frothy would be proud of.
JB's Story
So over the last few days people have been sharing their stories and I have been deliberating over if I should share mine. Some might and will know some of it already but I have decided to share so here goes.
I’ve been in the police 23 years this month and as for most of it loved it. I’ve had both front teeth knocked out while on duty and spent 2 years fighting for the job to pay for the treatment. I’ve seen things that normal people haven’t seen or shouldn’t see (not saying all the bobbies on here haven’t seen it) 4 to 5 years ago I got knocked over on duty, I was pinned between 2 cars (the one that hit me was doing between 40-50 mph according to witnesses) I was really lucky as I only came away with bad bruises. Since then subconsciously I was trying to get off the front line, 1 by tutoring and 2 applying for other roles ( I think at the last count it was 10 or 11 tries) but failed them all and felt trapped. It all came to a head in September 2022 when after returning from holiday with an abscess in my left ear I had a break down at home cried my eyes out to my wife saying I did feel safe going back out on the street as I kept thinking about how lucky I was when I was knocked over. If I had been standing 6 inches to the right I don’t think I would be here writing this as I would be six feet under. The job took over 12 months to sort any sort of counselling out I ended up trying to do things on my own like joining a gym (which has helped no end)
It felt like nobody had the first clue what I was going through I ended up with 5 months off in total. I again had to try and sort a move away from the front line on my return as nobody seemed interested still. When I did return I had been back 2 weeks when I was put under investigation which could of resulted in the sack, thankfully it didn’t but 6-7 months of hell and the fear of getting the sack.
Once that got sorted I fell into a role which I am currently doing. I thought at the time I would be able to manage the confrontation side of it as I am effectively a car park attendant. This has proved a lot harder than I thought as I still have lots of anxiety over challenging people and all I am doing is what I have been told to do, but the amount of shit you get even when trying to help and give advice to younger in service is amazing. It got to the point I spoke to Dan a while ago and almost gave up being a trustee due to the stress and anxiety it was causing. The thing that stopped me apart from Dan was the thought of giving up on Frothy I still feel some guilt for perhaps not trying hard enough to keep in touch with him before he did what he did. I’m not sure I will ever get over those thoughts even though I know he had made his decision and it does matter what anybody had said he still would have gone through with it, but it doesn’t stop me thinking could I have helped!!!!
Sorry for how long it is but I think it’s important for everybody to tell their story if they feel comfortable.
Will's Story
Wasn’t too sure where to start so I’ll go from the most recent troubles. Within the last two years, I found out my sister has a brain tumour. It’s not cancer but still certainly not ideal. A short while after, my Granny sadly died and although I may make jokes about it, it still hurts me an unbelievable amount. I then lost my Granny’s sister and her husband a few short weeks later to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Whilst I wasn’t very close with them, it still hurt because it felt like my Granny had gone all over again.
Skip forward a couple more weeks and my sister-in-law was diagnosed with cancer and ended up having to have a hysterectomy despite wanting her own children for 8 years. They managed to remove a football sized tumour and have said they got it all but it’s still a huge shock. Then my best friend’s dad died at such a young age. While I didn’t know him for very long, I admired him and his relationship with my friend. Seeing how broken my friend became simply broke me. All of that piled on top of work stresses and demands has been bottled up inside me for so long. I then found out I failed my final dissertation submission and, although I haven’t, there was a very real chance I could have lost my job.
I thought I was fine but the last couple of months have been a nightmare with my anxiety going through the roof. I felt like I was near breaking point but thankfully I work with and know some amazing people who help keep me going.
Thanks to Back and Forth, I found purpose and meaning in my life which has given yet another reason to carry on so I can help others in similar situations to myself. Because of this, I have come away from that edge and find myself coping with my anxiety much better than I ever did before.
Our Ambassadors
Here’s a bit about them.
Colin Preece
Coventry
Hobbies & Interests:
Fitness, hill walking, history, and architecture.
Why I Chose to Be an Ambassador:
I spoke with a group member about Back & Forth and instantly connected with what they were about. I was eager to promote the group, support their activities, and help others. In my experience, blokes are pretty hopeless at talking about personal issues — if coming to the group gives them a way to open up, then it has to be a positive thing.
Harrison
Spectating and playing sports, gym, politics, gigs.
Why I Chose to Be an Ambassador:
I joined MMH to help raise awareness for young men, like me, to realise it’s okay, not to be okay. Following my own experiences with mental health, it became apparent to me that not enough is being done to combat it. I hope from me speaking out, helps others to feel safe to talk to one another.
Kevin Wonnacott
Exmouth
Hobbies & Interests:
Football, golf, motorsport, walking, and meeting new people.
Why I Chose to Be an Ambassador:
I came to visit Back & Forth in Coventry and left wanting to spread the word and start my own group under their banner in Exmouth. I’m a lorry driver by day, and I want to help others, support them in need, and eventually raise money for other charities that help people. If people can benefit from this, it gives me satisfaction knowing I’ve helped others. I might need a bit of support from Back & Forth to get everything up and running.
Mark Evans
Coventry
Hobbies & Interests:
Walking,national trusts,football
Why I Chose to Be an Ambassador:
I was looking for a group to join who were going through similar things to me.Whilst looking I found Back and Forth and noticed someone I knew in the group.
Since joining the group I have not looked back.I have found the group walks very helpful,non judgmental and very supportive. I immediately felt comfortable.
On our walks we talk about whatever you want from hobbies to work to life or just not talk at all. The choice is yours
Vishal
Chohan
Hobbies & Interests:
Cooking, Gym, Family, Business Entrepreneur, Radio DJ and Podcast Host
Why I Chose to Be an Ambassador:
I joined the team as a podcast co host and also have been following Back and Forth from the very beginning.
As I’ve had my own challenges and absolutely believe in opening up and talking, Back and Forth is the place I should be. With my own experiences and my passion to drive people’s confidence and motivation I know I can put my knowledge to use.
Alex Ratcliffe
Nuneaton
Hobbies & Interests:
Anything outdoors, history, community activism.
Why I Chose to Be an Ambassador:
I was grieving a friend who was going through similar issues as myself when my better half encouraged me to meet a men’s support group, that’s when I found Back and Forth.
The warmth and immediate understanding that was shown with no pressure to talk has helped me process my own experiences, and that’s something that I want to pass on.