About Me

I know what it’s like to hit the wall.

Not just the tired kind. The kind that makes you question who you are, what you’re doing, and whether you’ve got anything left. When you look at what you’ve accomplished and it doesn’t feel like much.

For years, I did what most men do. Told myself it was fine. Tried to push through it. Unitil there was nothing left in me. Only to find out my experiances we’re not only challenging, but finding out that some of it was caused by declining mental health. I found out I had Bipolar Disorder (type 1). The not knowing or understanding what was happening was terryfying. Should I feel this way? Why am I so alone?

When my mental health hit breaking point, I realised how few places there were for men to actually talk. Some of these spaces were simply out of reach. I couldn’t afford to seek help privately. I was on the waiting list for the NHS but that could be 12-18 months. I wasn’t sure if I had that time. I wanted something real. A space to receive support, work on practical skills and evaluate ways to improve my life. I need something to measure my improvement, practically and socially. After overcoming these challenges I wanted to help others in similar situations.

I’d studied Psychology and Neuroscience. I wanted to understand why we feel the way we do. How we build resilience, why we get stuck, and what actually helps us move forward. Most of us feel this way. A lack of direction with the occasional existential crisis thrown in. We often neglect how this can affect our mood, motivation and our view on life.

Gareth Sidwell

Mensano Foundation CIC Founder

I spent years teaching and leading others. That’s where I learned the real lesson: change doesn’t happen when someone tells you what to do. It happens when someone meets you where you are and helps you find your own way forward. Its about breaking down our hopes, fears and dreams and learning to apreciate the journey and how we get there. Most importantly, knowing what the signposts are.

Mensano grew out of all that. Out of experience. Out of frustration. Out of a belief that men need a space of their own. Not therapy. Not self-help slogans. Just something practical, real, and built for us. Where men can explore how they feel, learn practical skills and ways to improve mental health and finidng balance. This is how we move towards the goals we set, with clarity and purpose.

I started Mensano to create what I couldn’t find. A space where men can learn, connect, and rebuild. A place where struggle isn’t a weakness. It’s part of growth. No judgement. Just learning and improving. I wanted to provide a free space online for men to join a community where they can learn, share and grow.

Now I use everything I’ve learned from science, education, and lived experience to help men find strength, purpose, and belonging again. One conversation at a time. Mensano Foundation is here to help support men through the tough times and provide them with the tools to face the challenges life throws at us.

We will be providing in person support in the UK soon with hiking groups and touch rugby. These events will be open to all. A chance to socialise and build real wrold connections and new supportive networks.

Because challenges don’t define us. They make us. Build us into something stronger.

You don’t need to do this alone. We’re here when you’re ready. Join us now.

Gareth, Mensano Foundation CIC