How it started
A simple observation
In 2026; Project Sandgrounder began as an experiment - could one qualified counsellor, trained at Southport College, partner with a high profile community organisation to evidence the need for a dedicated free to access wellbeing hub in PR8/PR9? The answer has been a resounding yes.
Every Monday, in collaboration with both local and national charitable organisations referring into Project Sandgrounder, Chris and partners are demonstrating the need exists. By delivering a collaborative, whole-person way of working - rather than in isolation - we are establishing the framework to make real change at a grassroots level for the welfare of the people of Southport.
Free
No cost. No referral needed. No waiting list.
Straightforward
At least six 50-minute sessions.
Grassroots
Funded by donated time and partnership. Designed to grow sustainably.
What’s active now
Active Programmes
Project Sandgrounder is an umbrella framework designed to grow. Below are programmes currently running. Future initiatives (peer support circles, workshops, peer mentoring) will be added here as they become active.
Programme 1
Free Counselling
By-appointment counselling sessions at The Salvation Army, Southport. 50 minutes, no cost, every Monday.
When & Where
Every Monday, 10:00–14:00 (excluding bank holidays)
The Salvation Army, Southport
How to Book
Email info@mettletherapy.co.uk with your name and preferred time. Sessions are strictly by appointment, first-come basis.
What to Expect
Up to six 50 minute weekly conversations with Chris; drawing from therapeutic counselling, CBT, and strengths-based practice.
A local organisation? Apply free to refer your people and support the initiative — email chris@mettletherapy.co.uk.
Programme 2
Dads Groups
In collaboration with Identity Dads CIC and Richard Owens, a second Dads Group that promotes bonds and attachment between dads and their 0–8 year old child or children. Focused on group activities that build healthy relationships, inclusion and wellbeing.
When & Where
Fourth Saturday each month, from July 2026, 13:00–14:15
The Impact Hub, Shakespeare Centre, Shakespeare Street, Southport
What to Expect
Free, ample parking onsite, a sensory room and other rooms for children to play together while dads connect with fellow Sandgrounders.
Good to Know
Contributions from £3 per family per month are welcome but not essential to attend. Supervision of children remains the responsibility of the parent or guardian at all times.
How to Join
Email info@mettletherapy.co.uk to find out more or come along.
More Dads’ Groups
Find Identity Dads on Facebook for more groups, dates and activities.
Programme 3
A Greener Cleaner Community
An emerging idea to bring Sandgrounders together outdoors - litter picks, greener spaces, and shared time in nature - in collaboration with Green Sefton. Good for the local environment, and good for the connection, purpose and wellbeing that come from doing something useful, together.
Register Interest
Email info@mettletherapy.co.uk to express interest or learn more.
Programme 4
Skills Workshops
Hands-on workshops run by local, qualified and time-served tradespeople, helping fellow Sandgrounders build practical skills and confidence - and connect over shared graft.
Host a Workshop
Are you a tradesperson who’d like to share your skills? Email info@mettletherapy.co.uk to express interest in hosting these events - venue provided.
Programme 5
Walking & Running Groups
Getting Sandgrounders moving and together - informal walking and running groups for fitness, fresh air, and the kind of conversation that comes easier side by side.
Get Involved
Email info@mettletherapy.co.uk to express interest in facilitating a group or joining in.
Programme 6
Volunteer Practical Skills
Insured businesses and sole traders volunteering practical skills for the benefit of fellow Sandgrounders facing challenging circumstances - helping make home environments safer for those most-at-need; signposted by local charitable organisations.
Volunteer Your Trade
An insured business or sole trader who’d like to give something back? Email info@mettletherapy.co.uk to find out how you can help.
Something Else in Mind?
Got something new you could facilitate for fellow Sandgrounders? Contact info@mettletherapy.co.uk.
Community Support & Referrals
Project Sandgrounder works in collaboration with local community infrastructures. Free or subsidised wellbeing referrals are independently offered and managed by local organisations, including The Salvation Army and the Brighter Living Partnership.
Please note - These community initiatives operate under independent eligibility criteria and funding streams, and are separate from Mettle’s private clinical practice. To be signposted to the appropriate local resource, please contact info@mettletherapy.co.uk.
Sustaining this
What Project Sandgrounder needs
This service runs on goodwill, donated time, and partnership. To remain sustainable and grow, it needs support in four ways.
Evidence
Commissioners and funders need to see documented local demand before they can act. Expressions of support are that evidence.
Advocates
People who believe in this and will say so - to their employer, their GP surgery, their council representative. Word of mouth is how grassroots services survive.
Sponsorship
Local businesses and organisations who want to put their name behind something that genuinely helps men in Southport. Any amount. No minimum.
Donations
Individuals who want to contribute directly - £5, £10, whatever. It goes to covering costs, venue hire, and expanding reach.
Interested in sponsoring, partnering, or exploring how you can support this initiative?
Get in touch →Sign the expression of support
Document local demand
Your name, email, and postcode go directly towards evidencing local demand for this service to commissioners and funders. It takes 30 seconds, costs nothing, and is one of the most powerful ways to support this initiative growing.
Not a newsletter signup. Not a donation request. Simply: I believe this service matters.
Questions
Frequently asked
What does Project Sandgrounder offer?▼
A growing umbrella of free community programmes for adults and families in PR8/PR9: free counselling, Dads Groups, a Greener Cleaner Community initiative, skills workshops, walking and running groups, and volunteer practical-skills support.
Is the counselling really free, and how do I book?▼
Yes. Free by-appointment counselling, every Monday at The Salvation Army, Southport, 10:00–14:00. 50 minutes, no referral, no fees. Email info@mettletherapy.co.uk with your name and preferred Monday time, first-come basis.
What are the Dads Groups?▼
Run with Identity Dads CIC and Richard Owens, they help dads build bonds with their 0–8 year old children through group activities. The Sandgrounder group runs the fourth Saturday each month from July 2026, 13:00–14:15, at The Impact Hub, Southport. Contributions from £3 per family per month are welcome but not essential.
Can I get involved, volunteer or facilitate?▼
Yes. We welcome tradespeople for skills workshops, walk or run leaders, and insured businesses or sole traders volunteering practical skills for people most in need. Got a new idea you could offer fellow Sandgrounders? Email info@mettletherapy.co.uk.
Who can access it?▼
Adults and families in Southport (PR8/PR9), especially anyone facing difficult circumstances, isolation, or barriers to accessing support. Some programmes, such as practical-skills help in the home, are signposted by local charitable organisations.
How is it different from Mettle Therapy?▼
Mettle Therapy is a private practice offering 1:1 integrative counselling from £35 per check-in or £55 per session. Project Sandgrounder is a separate grassroots community initiative offering free programmes. Both are led by the same counsellor, but serve different purposes.
What is an expression of support?▼
Documentation of local demand (your name, email, postcode) sent to commissioners and funders to evidence that people believe these programmes deserve to grow. It is not a newsletter signup or donation request.
What if I need help right now?▼
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent emotional support: Samaritans 116 123 (24 hrs), SHOUT 85258 (text crisis support, 24 hrs), or your nearest Accident & Emergency department.
In crisis?
If you are having thoughts of suicide or in immediate danger, please reach out to one of these services right now.
Emergency
999
Samaritans
116 123
SHOUT (Text)
85258
A&E
Your nearest hospital