Rotherham firepit gathering helps improve men's mental health

A Rotherham Salvation Army outdoor firepit gathering that provides a warm welcome and encourages men to open up and talk is having a real impact on improving mental health. 

Led by Captain Tim Swansbury, the church and charity in High Street, Kimberworth, hosts a Firepit on the last Thursday of the month. It is open to men of any age who can come and sit around a fire, listen to music, chat openly, make friends and enjoy food and hot drinks. 

It is part of Ironmen, a Salvation Army initiative set up by Chaplain Paul ‘Huggy’ Huggins to support men on whatever journey they may be on, whether that’s tackling an addiction, struggling day-to-day, wanting to explore their faith or to make connections. 

For Josh, who has experienced addiction and trauma which led to him wanting to take his own life, the Firepit has helped him to move into a better place. A passionate DJ, he also provides the music at the gatherings.  

Josh, 38, said: “I struggle to get out of the house because of my mental health, but coming to things like the Firepit helps because I’m around people I can call friends. 

“I think as men we tend to bottle things up, but that doesn’t do you any good. The fact I’ve opened up and discussed things has helped halve my problems. It’s opened my eyes more talking to people and sharing problems.” 

Jack, 29, who also regularly attends, agrees. He said: “As a bloke you carry around a lot on your own, so it’s nice to go somewhere where you can unload, where nobody is judging you and you can have a heart-to-heart conversation. One minute you can be talking about the weather and the next a big life philosophical question. It’s a good change of pace.” 

Huggy, who is the Chaplain at The Salvation Army’s Charter Row Lifehouse, which supports men experiencing homelessness in Sheffield, explained Ironmen started with the idea of providing a new ‘playground’ for people who were looking to make a change. 

Huggy said: “Ironmen was inspired by a young man I was working with at the Lifehouse and thinking about how we create a new way forward for him after he’d given his life to Jesus but was still struggling with an addiction. 

“The idea was ‘new playground, new playmates’, giving people a place to be where they are supported with good people around them. And put simply, I just wanted to introduce my mates to my best friend (Jesus). There are some guys who don’t have faith, but they see the advantage of a better playground, of talking and knowing we are there to walk with them on the journey they are on. It’s powerful stuff.” 

Tim, who leads Rotherham Salvation Army with his wife Christianne, said when they first moved to Rotherham, they found a lot of men were on the fringes of the church, but there wasn’t something specifically for them to come to. 

Tim said: “As well as the regularly monthly meet up, we’ve also hosted quiz nights, walks, curry nights, and have a community on whats app so we can keep connected outside of this. Sometimes we have really deep discussions, and get into faith or prayer, but it depends who comes and what questions people have. There are opportunities for guys who want to be really intentional with their discipleship, but there’s no pressure, it’s a really relaxed place for men to be.” 

There are also trips a couple of times a year, one a lakeside camping trip organised by Huggy and Tim, with the group taking part in activities, as well as being put through their paces physically and spiritually by two former royal marine commandos. The other is a national meet up of the Christian Vision for Men charity where thousands gather to camp, take part in activities like rock climbing and walks, and hear from inspirational speakers. 

Tim added: “This is a chance for people to get away from the pressures of life and switch off. Some guys may be busy with work or family, and having that time away gives them chance to think about themselves and their faith. Some of them might not have the opportunities to go away otherwise so this gives them the chance to relax.”  

Craig, who is a volunteer at the nearby Wombwell with Barnsley Salvation Army and a visitor to the Firepit, added that the environment provides a safe space for people to talk and be themselves without stigma. 

He said: “You can openly say ‘I’m struggling’ without having to think about the repercussions. You can discuss your feelings with no judgement, and find reassurance in knowing that often other people will be feeling something similar. The problems happen when people sit on their own dwelling. We know there can be devastating consequences if people don’t talk and it gets too much for them. A lot of men here say after they’ve spoken it’s like a weight has been lifted.” 

The firepit is held on the last Thursday of the month from 7pm in the car park of the church in High Street. If the weather is bad they gather in the hall. 

Rotherham Salvation Army also hosts a coffee morning, a bible discussion group, and parent and toddler group. All are welcome to join them on Sundays at 10.30am for worship, children’s activities and refreshments.