A NEW initiative aimed at giving men the space to talk will launch at Cinderford rugby club next week.

The ‘Try Talking’ sessions will be hosted by the Forest of Dean Trust in the club lounge on Tuesdays between 7pm and 8pm.

A spokesman for the Trust said: “As we head into the new year, some of us might be struggling more than others but, as is pretty typical in men, we just try to carry on and don't want to talk about it.

“We are all becoming more aware of the growing rate of mental health issues in men and maybe now is a good time to try something different.

“If you or a friend are struggling then why not try coming to our first group for men where there will be a chance to listen and who knows, you might even want to Try Talking.

“Just showing up is a start and we promise no judgement, no pressure to talk and the kettle will be on! In return, all we ask is that you come with an open mind and who knows, together we might be able to start making things a little better.

Cinderford RFC’s commercial manager Paul Willetts said: “Men’s mental health is very important and if we can get people talking about therir mental health then it's a win win situation.

“Stephen Brady the CEO Forest of Dean Trust came to myself and club chairman Martyn Walby with the idea and we were more than happy to get involved as a club as we're very community oriented.”

The first session takes place at at the club on Tuesday (January 14).