A west Belfast man is hoping to set up a dedicated suicide prevention centre following the success of his men’s walking group which saw him recently receive a mental health award.
Aidan Malone, 32, founded the Divis Mountain Men group in May 2025 as a way of getting men together to talk about their feelings.
Last week, he received the inspiring individual prize at the Mental Health & Wellbeing Ireland Awards for his contribution to mental health awareness.
Speaking to The Irish News, Mr Malone said he set up the group after experiencing personal struggles with addiction.
Mo Chara court case LIVE: Kneecap rapper terror charge thrown out after ‘technical error’
Belfast church to transform C.S. Lewis’ grandfather’s home into exhibition, library and café
“I’ve lost a lot of people to suicide and addiction,” he said.
“I had two friends die in one week and I was at a real low point in my life, and I thought something needs to change, something needs to be done.
“Divis Mountain is somewhere that’s always been quite special to me.
“I’ve spent a lot of time here. I’ve also spent a lot of time alone here dealing with things that were very difficult and I realised it’s a beautiful, healing place and if we could bring people together a lot more could be done.”
Each Tuesday at 7pm, between 20 and 50 men from all communities, backgrounds and ages set off from the Divis Mountain car park to walk to the summit and back.
The route also includes a stop along the way where Mr Malone leads the group in breathing exercises. Once at the top, the men carry out a ‘check-in’, where the men can talk about whatever they feel comfortable sharing.
“We can talk about anything ranging from addiction, our mental health, the businesses we’re setting up, how we’re getting on with our families, how our relationships are going, how they’re not going,” he said.
“A lot of guys come here just because it is a lot of fun and you get honest conversation.
“When you come to this mountain and to this group everybody is equal.”
Mr Malone said he has witnessed some men come to the group while at their lowest and that it was a starting point for them seeking the help they needed.
“I’ve seen people go from broken to better,” he said.
- Mental health follow-ups for young people cut back in Trust savings planOpens in new window
- Former MLA returns to university after mental health strugglesOpens in new window
Now, the 32-year-old is hoping to soon open a dedicated suicide prevention and wellbeing hub.
“A big plus will be anybody can come,” he said.
“Wheelchair users can come, older members whose mobility is now restricted or are having breathing issues, they’ll be able to come to the centre.
“My dream would be for us all to be there on Christmas day having a dinner together because many of us don’t have family members or people that we can go to for that.”
Mr Malone added that everyone is welcome to attend the weekly walking group and that those who come along are not always struggling.
“I was afraid the first time I asked for help,” he said.
“But anybody who’s ever came here, after they’ve gotten over that fear, they say they wish they had done it sooner and it’s set up to make it easier for you.
“Don’t be afraid. We are here and we are waiting for you.”
