Grey Matters

What is it?

Grey Matters is an open, honest and safe space for over 40s to talk. This is a peer support meeting that allows you to speak openly about your mental health and explore the things in life impacting your wellbeing. There are many reasons attendees come to Grey Matters. Some of these include, but are not limited to: Abandonment, abuse, addiction, alcohol, andropause (male menopause), anger, baby loss, being a carer, being a victim of a crime, breakdown of relationships, bullying, confidence, disability, discrimination, domestic violence, drugs, elder care, family breakup, gender identity, grief, hate crime, isolation, loneliness, mental ill health, money, partner loss, peri/menopause, physical ill health, poverty, racism, religious discrimination, self-worth, sexuality, sleep, stress, therapy, trauma, wellbeing and work related stress.

Why did it start?

Let’s be honest: the stigma associated with discussing anything remotely uncomfortable has been a part of most of our lives. We don’t talk about these things, we just get on with it! Grey Matters was founded to provide a space for over 40s to talk, without stigma or judgement, about the things that they feel they can’t discuss with their friends, family or colleagues. The New Normal is built around the statement, ‘If there’s one, there’s two.’ This meeting was created, and is hosted, by over 40s who realised that others may also find it difficult to attend and share in meetings with mostly younger attendees. And so, Grey Matters was born!

What to expect?

What to expect? Peer support, as a model, better equips us all to have better conversations. Talking about things with people you know can feel harder. It can be difficult to listen without any judgement when we know the person, whereas a room full of strangers can feel safe. We listen without judgement to those who speak. At the beginning of each meeting, we take it in turns to introduce ourselves and why we are attending. We also share our pronouns, if comfortable doing so, to create a safe space for all. From then on, there is no pressure at all to speak: you can just listen. Your hosts will then ask the group if anyone has anything they would like to bring into the space. You are welcome to share anything with the group, whatever you have to say is relevant. Our meetings are facilitated by host volunteers who have lived experience. They support the running of the meeting but are not trained professionals. They do not give advice: they hold space for you to share, connect and support. All attendees are expected to respect the privacy of the space and to treat others, and themselves, with kindness throughout.

Where is it?

Enquire about this meeting