A local men's mental health group has reached over 1,500 members on their Facebook page since it was created five weeks ago. 

Stoke-on-Trent local, Chris Hughes, started the Men Rebuilding Men group in late November and the Facebook membership has now reached 1,533. 

Chris, a self-employed photographer, decided to start the group after personally experiencing struggles with his mental health. 

He hoped to reach men in the local community and provide them with a space to open up and receive support. 

Chris said: "Looking at what a lot of men are posting in the group, you get the feeling that there's no outlet for them. 

"We have had this group open for probably just over five weeks, and since the influx of members, the amount of men that are opening up and just getting things off their chest is unreal. 

"And the support for one another in the group is really heartwarming." 

The Men Rebuilding Men Facebook group was created in late November (image via Chris Hughes)

Seven men attended the group's first walk in Westport Lake on 28 December 2025 and since then, the size of the group has skyrocketed with over 50 men already signed up for the next walk. 

Chris said: "There were seven of us that did a walk around Westport Lake a couple of weekends ago and because I am a photographer I held back and took a little photo of the six of them. 

"I then used that photo and put it on quite a few of the local community pages on Facebook and the response was absolutely incredible." 

He added: "The page blew up instantly. 

"I think within a week we had gained over 1,000 followers." 

Chris hopes that the group will continue to grow and is hoping to plan a range of events in partnership with local businesses and organisations. 

For one of the first events, Men Rebuilding Men is teaming up with Kuotos Swim and Whitmore Lakes on 24 January for a cold-water immersion introduction. 

The group has also grown outside of Stoke-on-Trent with several members in Stafford where more walks are being planned to accommodate those who want to get involved further afield. 

Over 50 men have already signed up to the next Westport Lake walk (image via Nub News)

Chris emphasised the importance of fostering a sense of support and community in the group. 

He said: "There is a real community feeling within the group. Everyone supports each other. 

"When we have a welcome post, you get a lot of people welcoming each other." 

Chris also explained that men of all ages have joined the group adding to the community feel. 

Men interested in getting involved can join the Men Rebuilding Men Facebook group here.