Rhyl entertainer creates mental health group after 'really bad' year

Tommy Barron set up “Alpha Minds” little more than a month ago, which so far has 51 members who have been involved in various walks at different locations together.

He was inspired to instigate a positive change after one of his six daughters attempted to take her own life on numerous occasions last year at the age of 15, and his father and father-in-law both died in the last 12 months.

A Gary Barlow tribute act who also performs with his best friend, Hefin Roberts, in a comedy duo called “Timeless”, Tommy has been delighted by the success of the group so far.

Tommy (right) and Hefin, AKA Timeless. (Image: Tommy Barron)

He said: “I formed the group because I’ve had a really bad 12 months myself.

“My daughter, now 16, attempted to take her own life on a few occasions this time last year, resulting in her spending her birthday and Christmas in the children’s psychiatric unit in Abergele.

“I’m pleased to say she is doing really well now, but during this time, my father-in-law sadly passed away suddenly, and in August, we lost my dad suddenly, too.

“This made me look at my own feelings and who I could talk to, while trying to be strong for my own grieving family.

“Then, I got to thinking how many other men feel it’s weak to talk, or feel they have no one to break down to, as they are expected to be strong.”

And so, Tommy created “Alpha Minds”, with many men reaching out to support his new group.

They have embarked on plenty of walks, and are planning a Christmas night out together, with new members always welcome to join.

He added: “We have been on many walks, locally and a little further afield - Rhuddlan, Rhyl, Aber falls, Rhos-on-Sea… we’ve talked about Snowdonia and Moel Famau in the summer.

“We are planning a Christmas night out, too, and always try to finish the walk with a coffee at the end.

“It’s been great to see the guys come along and open up, under no pressure, talking to strangers about issues they are having.”