Hello, my name is Stephen, and I’m here to share my journey with mental health challenges. Living with severe depression, social anxiety, and low self- esteem has made it difficult for me to open up, but I believe sharing my story is crucial for our collective progress.

There are days when I find it hard to get out of bed, and times when I can only manage the basics. Yet, I also have days when I can engage with the world and function well. My struggles have often kept me from working for extended periods, and like many men, I’ve tried to ignore my mental health for too long. When I finally reached out for help, I encountered an overwhelmed NHS and a lack of support from local charities.

Determined that current and future generations won’t face the same challenges, I founded ZenMen Ltd. My goal is to establish peer support groups in towns and cities across the UK. These groups could take the form of campfire gatherings, walking groups, or art sessions, all centered on mental health support. While I have limited resources and experience in areas like merchandise sales, I’m hopeful that others who share this vision will join me in making it a reality.

The name "ZenMen" reflects my belief in living in the present, and it also honors one of my rescue dogs. I invite you to join me on this journey, as I truly believe we are all ZenMen.