I get a sense of pride from Be OK Garage — a group for car-loving men to talk about mental health

Car enthusiast Dave Smith is helping men change gears and open up about their mental health at Be OK Garage

Dave Smith from Be OK Garage - a car-based support group for men at Darndale, Dublin Picture: Gareth Chaney

An indoor karting arena in the middle of a Dublin industrial estate is probably not the first place you’d think of when it comes to hosting a gathering on mental health. But last month, a dozen or so car lovers from different parts of Ireland gathered at Kylemore Karting for the latest in a series of events run by Be OK Garage.

The group is helping men to open up about their mental health through a shared love of motors. While this particular get-together indulged attendees’ Formula One fantasies, other meet-ups are simpler affairs, gathering in car parks or open spaces to admire each other’s wheels, share tips on making them funkier, and, critically, discuss anything that might be happening under the bonnet of the person themselves.