St Mary's in Licard is serving up a smashing Men's breakfast, replete with sausages, black pudding, beans, egg, bacon, tomatoes and toast, on the third Saturday of every month. The food, though fantastic, by any greasy spoon standards, is only part of how the diners are nourished
The breakfast is for men only, set up to provide a place for men's fellowship to flourish in a way that enables men to talk freely among themselves about life, hobbies, TV and sometimes their troubles, anxieties and mental health issues, in a place they can support each other and enjoy mutual camaraderie.
It's a far cry from how men, just a few years ago, would have seen this kind of openness to their fellow man as being a sign of weakness or unmanly, When asked why they like to come to the breakfast, several people refer to it as being good for their well-being and mental health, clearly acknowledging that simply being with others, is good for them.
As one breakfast eater says in the video below;, "There aren't many men's functions, we don't have sewing bees or anything like that." And whilst the likes of 'sewing bees' and 'knit and natter' groups don't necessarily advertise themselves as being exclusive to women, they are often attended by women-only and have provided a way for women to find their own sense of mutual companionship and support.
Once everyone has finished their breakfast, a guest speaker will usually be invited to talk. On this occasion it was a representative from a band of men who call themselves the Raggamuffin Brotherhood, who regularly meet in a Liverpool pub, to talk about God, Jesus and their faith, and raise money for local good causes, such as helping to buy beds for children, who are having to sleep on floors and sofas.
Revd Peter Mackriell, Head of Counselling Services & Pastoral Supervision Co-ordinator for the Dicoese of Chester says, "It's great to hear about the men's breakfast in Liscard. We know that men often find it harder to talk about what's going on for them. Any space where they feel safe to talk about mental health has to be good news. Sharing their stories will be a really positive thing for these men, I'm sure. It's good to talk!"
What is evident about this men's breakfast, and others like it is that the food is only part of what's happening. The fry-up's as good as any greasy spoon cafe and will fill your stomach for a few hours, but the conversations and mutual sense of friendship fill people's hearts and souls, for weeks, at least until they next meet.