Four Maldon District Libraries have been awarded a grant to host male support group events, discussing mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and family custody.

The grant was awarded by the One Maldon District Thriving Places programme, and will go towards hosting events and establishing the support groups.

Different events will take place across the four Maldon District Libraries: Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch, Southminster and Wickham Bishops.

The aim of the grant is to address critical community needs, specifically to men.

It hopes to promote wellbeing education in the District with different events to take place throughout November and so on - marking Men's Health Month and International Men's Day.

Maldon Library has partnered with Maldon and District CVS and the Community Gaming Initiative, to set up a new gaming night at the library.

Called 'The Men's Gaming Cove', the new night aims to provide a safe, casual and friendly environment where men can chat and receive guidance on accessing different services.

The first night will be on Monday, November 25, from 5pm to 6.30pm.

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Maldon District Libraries Manager, Jay Brown, has described his passion for creating safe spaces for men after losing a friend to suicide: "This initiative is a passion project of mine.

"By creating safe places for men to seek help for mental health, prevent suicide, prostate cancer awareness, fatherhood and many more issues men face, we hope to make a change in our community.

"I would like to thank Maldon District Council and the One Maldon board for selecting us."

Updates on key events from 'Daddy Cool Storytime', 'Dads can braid too', 'The Gaming Cove', 'Men's Health MOT', and special guest appearances, follow The Maldon Library Facebook Page.