ManLeigh at Atherleigh Park

At ManLeigh, we’ve proudly supported the men on the Prospect and Sovereign wards at Atherleigh Park Hospital for many years. Every Tuesday evening, we visit the wards with a warm, friendly smile (and often some biscuits and doughnuts!) to create a safe space where the men can relax, open up, and share their experiences. Our informal, non-judgmental approach has encouraged many patients to share parts of their stories that might take weeks for staff to uncover.

Our role is not to replace the incredible, hard-working staff but to offer a neutral, compassionate ear—someone who’s simply there to listen. Whether it’s someone’s first night or they’ve been on the ward for some time, we’re there to help them feel comfortable and supported. We meet people from all walks of life, including those facing struggles with addiction, past trauma, or difficult life circumstances. Our team is privileged to hear remarkable stories from former military personnel, ex-professionals, and people from a range of backgrounds, all working toward recovery and stability.

Spending time with these men changes the way we see the world. Every shared brew and open conversation reminds us of the common humanity we all share, regardless of our backgrounds. Staff have told us they’ve noticed a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere on the ward after our sessions, and some even schedule their shifts around our visits to experience the positive change themselves.

After leaving Atherleigh Park, many men stay in touch with us, some joining ManLeigh’s outreach programs to find support and purpose beyond the hospital. Working here is a transformative experience for us, too; it’s rewarding, challenging, and deeply impactful. Our team and volunteers are proud to be part of this journey, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.