New mental health app launched to reach men before crisis

A free mental health app developed by an East Belfast men’s group has been launched to help men across Northern Ireland recognise when they are struggling and find support before reaching crisis point.

The Mental Health Toolbox, created by social enterprise Whataboutye M.A.T.Es, brings together mood tracking, practical wellbeing tools and information on local support services.

Launched at East Belfast Community Development Agency on Friday 23 October with support from East Belfast Alternatives, it responds to men asking for resources they could turn to between group meetings, particularly late at night or during a difficult day.

Users can record their mood, check in with how they are feeling and access Northern Ireland-specific helplines and signposting.

Designed to keep users’ data on their own device, the app provides self-help and information and does not replace counselling, medical care or crisis services.

Behind the launch is an initiative that began with friends meeting to watch football and share a takeaway. Local businesses, including Eddie Spence’s chip shop, supported the gatherings with free or discounted food.

Group member Darren later introduced a gym class at his workplace before the football, giving the men another opportunity to spend time together and look after their wellbeing.

Over more than three years, those gatherings grew into a support network. Whataboutye M.A.T.Es became a community interest company in June 2026 and now runs weekly Walk, Talk, Connect sessions at locations including Cave Hill and Titanic Quarter, alongside workplace toolbox talks.

M.A.T.Es stands for Men And Their Emotions and Managing And Treating Emotional Stress. Taking its name from the familiar greeting, the organisation encourages men to make “What about ye?” an invitation to speak honestly.

For Chief Executive Johnny Pankhurst, the work draws on his experience of depression and loneliness while working away from his family as a senior construction manager at Heathrow Airport.

Having lost friends and family members to suicide, he also became a lead ambassador for mental health and wellbeing at the airport, supporting colleagues in construction and across the wider workforce.

After returning to Northern Ireland, he joined friends already running the men’s group and helped establish the social enterprise.

Johnny said: “I had a good job and plenty of responsibility, but I was lonely and missing my boys growing up. From the outside, people might have thought everything was going well. That wasn’t how I felt.

“Being involved in this group has helped me become a better dad, husband and friend. The things we encourage other men to do are things we practise in our own lives.

“Some men want to talk straight away. Others need time. You don’t need to explain everything on your first walk. Come along, get to know us and take it from there.”

For group member Glenn, attending walks and watching football with others offered a way out of isolation while he was struggling with gambling and drinking.

Glenn said: “I kept thinking I could sort it out myself. I wasn’t being honest with the people closest to me, and keeping everything to myself left me feeling more alone.

“What helped was having something to go along to, whether that was a walk or watching the football. I could get to know people without feeling I had to explain everything straight away.

“I still have things to work through. But making friends and having people I can speak honestly to has changed my life. I don’t feel so alone with it anymore.”

Managing Director Kyle Rae said: “The idea came from listening to the men in our group. Meeting up was helping, but they wanted something they could turn to between sessions, particularly late at night or during a difficult day.

“The Mental Health Toolbox brings practical resources and information about support together in one place. We hope it gives men the confidence to take that next step, whether that is speaking to a mate, joining us for a walk or asking for professional help.

“We are especially grateful to Carlie and everyone at East Belfast Alternatives for their contribution to the launch and their continued support. They have backed what we are trying to achieve and helped us bring this resource to the wider community.

“I also want to thank every volunteer at Whataboutye M.A.T.Es. They give their time, listen and offer encouragement week after week. That commitment is at the heart of the group and makes a real difference to the men who come along.”

Carlie Martin, of East Belfast Alternatives, said: “We are delighted to support and collaborate with Whataboutye M.A.T.Es on the launch of the Mental Health Toolbox.

“What makes this resource special is that it has grown from men coming together, sharing their experiences and supporting one another. They recognised the need for practical resources that were easy to access and have drawn on those conversations to create something that could help others.

“It shows what can be achieved when people within a community work together to support each other. We are proud to be involved and look forward to seeing the toolbox help more men look after their mental wellbeing, with benefits for their families too.”

For more information about the Mental Health Toolbox or joining Whataboutye M.A.T.Es, visit www.whataboutyemates.com or email kyle.whataboutye.mates@gmail.com.

Read more: 221 Lives Lost: Northern Ireland’s Suicide Rate Demands Change | The Social Enterprise Saving Lives Lost Through Suicide