The Cornermen reach out to men needing their support

Our Chair, Elizabeth Paris, recently caught up with Steve James who runs The Cornermen which provides access to experienced professionals for men struggling with mental wellbeing. The Cornerment received a grant from Didcot Powerhouse earlier this year and the visit was to see how they are progressing with their project and what impact the grant has made.

Steve's model of chats while in the gym or in the barbershop chair are working well as men find this environment more comfortable. Conversations are happening and the men are responding well to the flexible offering tailored to suit each person. And you don't have to be interested in boxing - all men struggling with their mental or physical health are welcome.

The demand has far exceeded Steve's expectation - they already are supporting 54 men from the Powerhouse area, who have mainly come to them via word of mouth!

An outcome has been to build a Cornermen Community, Steve says:

"I am especially pleased to see how well The Cornermen has built a support community - so as well as the individual sessions, our peer groups have organised football tournaments and walking trips and are planning fishing trips. Men who no longer need the direct support have stayed to mentor other men!”