Meet the man behind the Wolverhampton collective supporting men's mental health by 'ditching the mundane' and sharing a love of scooters
Men's Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place until Sunday. The week aims to raise awareness of men's health, including mental health, and encourages men to take proactive steps to address any health concerns.
Mark Hodgkiss, who has owned men's clothing boutique Mode Menswear in Wolverhampton for seven years, recently started a group called The Faces Scooter Collective.
The club was formed by a group of men who share a love of scooters, music, fashion and a good chat.
It has grown to 30 plus members, many of whom have credited it as helping them through life events or tough times they have been through, with all of them seeing it as an outlet for social interaction.
They range in age from their 40s to their 70s and all have scooters, which also range from the 1960s to brand new models.
His store in Tettenhall aims to 'ditch the mundane' and offer a select choice of smart casual men's essentials and even features a shiny scooter outside - which has become a focal point for passing trade but Mark said his current passion is the group.
He said: "The Faces Scooter Collective has gone from strength to strength and we have members from all over the area - one rides his scooter from Lower Gornal to attend.
"It offers a social outlet for like minded people, a boost for some who might be limited in going out with a circle of friends and the chance to make some new ones.
"Whatever their background or circumstances, all have commented on what a boost it has been for them in terms of how much they look forward to the weekly meet ups."
Shaun Boyce, who runs the group's Facebook page said: "I have suffered with my mental health over the years which meant I withdrew from a lot of things with family and friends and groups within Coven where I live.
"The very first meeting of the group was quite a big step and even the night before I was trying to talk myself out of it.
"But credit to Mark for setting it up and making it so welcoming and inclusive and I haven't looked back since."
The group has become so popular, they have branched out to do events including a charity ride and photo shoot to support Compton Care where some of the guys and a few ladies posed on their scooters.
Mark said: "We also visited Foxland Grange Care Home where the residents loved seeing the scooters and reminiscing about times gone by which to be fair is pretty much what we do anyway on a regular basis.
"Men no longer have to be quiet about mental health issues. There has been a stigma about it in past decades and even recent years - now there is more of a willingness to share with various groups springing up offering chances to meet and do activities."
Mark said all ages of scooter enthusiasts are welcome at the group, which meets at Ateleier Del Chibo Cafe in Tettenhall on Sundays and in midweek,
For details, visit the Facebook page or visit Mode Menswear in Limes Court, Upper Greenn, Tettenhall.
