Rotherham Firepit Gathering Helps Improve Men's Mental Health
By Mental Health Correspondent
A Salvation Army firepit gathering in Rotherham is providing a warm, welcoming space where men can open up, connect with others and improve their mental health.
Led by Captain Tim Swansbury, Rotherham Salvation Army in High Street, Kimberworth, hosts a Firepit on the last Thursday of every month.
Open to men of all ages, the informal outdoor gathering invites people to sit around a fire, listen to music, enjoy food and hot drinks, and talk openly without judgement.
The Firepit is part of Ironmen, a Salvation Army initiative founded by Chaplain Paul ‘Huggy’ Huggins. The project supports men wherever they are on life’s journey – whether they are struggling day to day, recovering from addiction, exploring faith, or simply looking to build meaningful connections.
For Josh, 38, who has experienced addiction and trauma, the Firepit has played an important role in helping him move to a healthier place mentally. A passionate DJ, he also provides the music at the gatherings.
Josh said: “I struggle to get out of the house because of my mental health, but coming to things like the Firepit helps because I’m around people I can call friends. As men we tend to bottle things up, but opening up and talking has really helped me. Sharing things makes a big difference.”
Jack, 29, who also attends regularly, agrees. “As a bloke you often carry a lot on your own,” he said. “It’s good to go somewhere you can unload without being judged. You can go from talking about everyday things to deep life questions. It’s a refreshing change of pace.”
Huggy, who is Chaplain at The Salvation Army’s Charter Row Lifehouse in Sheffield, which supports men experiencing homelessness, said Ironmen was inspired by the idea of creating a positive new environment for people wanting change.
“Ironmen is about ‘new playgrounds and new playmates’,” he explained. “It’s about giving people a supportive place to be, with good people around them. Some men don’t share our faith, but they see the benefit of having a healthier space where they can talk and know they’re not walking alone.”
Tim, who leads Rotherham Salvation Army with his wife Christianne, said the Firepit was created after noticing many men were on the fringes of church life.
“There wasn’t something specifically for men,” he said. “Now, alongside the monthly Firepit, we also organise walks, quiz nights, curry nights and trips, and keep connected through WhatsApp. Conversations can be light or deep depending on who comes, but there’s no pressure. It’s a relaxed, safe place.”
The group also takes part in trips during the year, including camping weekends and a national Christian Vision for Men gathering, offering opportunities to step away from daily pressures and reflect.
Craig, a volunteer from Barnsley Salvation Army who attends the Firepit, said the environment removes stigma. “You can say ‘I’m struggling’ without fear. Talking helps lift a weight, and people realise they’re not alone.”
