In support of Men’s Health Awareness Month, Warwick Arts Centre has launched a unique community initiative, the Men’s Shed, in collaboration with the charity, It Takes Balls to Talk.

The project is helping to address critical mental health issues by providing a welcoming space for men and those who care for them to connect, reflect, and share.

The Shed will run in the Arts Centre foyer until Saturday 30 November where It Takes Balls to Talk, community partners and NHS nurses will run evening sessions to provide a safe environment for honest conversations about mental health.

Kate Walters, Programme Manager at Warwick Arts Centre said, “Suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 45 and with a team of clinicians and community workers, we are taking the conversation out into our public foyers to meet people where they are. On Tuesday 26 November, we invite members of the public to attend a free Suicide Awareness Talk and Q&A hosted by Dr Alex Cotton in our Helen Martin Studio.”

“We would like to thank our partners It Takes Balls To Talk, Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, Talking Therapies, Willenhall Men’s Support, Pathways and Coventry-based street artist Michael Batchelor.”

The Shed will be open throughout the month as a space to dwell, converse and reflect. It will then be donated back to local community group, as a legacy project to help “shed” the light on these important issues to those most in need.

David Hall, Pathways Committee Member and project partner, said: “Men talking together in a supportive group creates a safe space for connection, understanding, and growth – fostering resilience and improved mental wellbeing. This is what we try to provide with Pathways and it has been brilliant to see the positive changes in people who have walked through the door.”

Street artist Michael Batchelor has also worked with group members to create large-scale artworks exhibited inside The Shed, sharing messages of hope, unity, and togetherness.

Founded by Dr Alex Cotton MBE in 2015, It Takes Balls to Talk uses sport to break down barriers and encourage men to open up about their feelings. Dr Cotton will be hosting a free Suicide Awareness Talk on Tuesday 26 November as part of the charity’s residency, all to raise awareness of male suicide.

Dr Cotton, added: “It Takes Balls To Talk is a charity which aims to increase awareness of factors that can cause mental distress and for people to know where they can get support.”

“Having worked in NHS Mental Health Services for 32 years, I have seen that people are not always aware of what to do for themselves or others in a mental health crisis. If I were to give you three words to describe what It Takes Balls to Talk does, they would be, prevention, prevention, prevention.”

For more information about the Men’s Shed, It Takes Balls to Talk, Pathways, or the community groups involved, visit Warwick Arts Centre.

Notes to Editors:

For more information, please contact:

Stevie Connoll – Media and Communications Officer
stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791 

It Takes Balls To Talk

It Takes Balls To Talk is a local campaign which goes to where people are to have those conversations, reaching people who other services haven’t reached.

Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 45 and over three quarters of people who end their own lives are male. There are more deaths by male suicide than cancer and road traffic accidents put together.

Dr Alex Cotton (MBE and Hon DSc, University of Warwick) founded It Takes Balls To Talk in 2015 after working within NHS mental health services and West Midlands Police as a Street Triage Nurse, for over twenty years.

Pathways

Pathways meet weekly on alternate Tuesdays and Thursdays, at Nulogic Academy, 25 St Columbus Close, Coventry, CV1 4BX. Doors open 6.45pm for a brew and a biscuit with the meeting starting at 7pm.

The idea of the meetings is to create an environment that allows men to share what is on their mind, seek advice, get inspiration and meet like-minded people.

Whatever your reasons for visiting – if you're struggling with your mental health or you just want to be part of a community of people trying to be positive, they’re ready when you are!

Additional Support

If you require any additional support, please contact SamaritansLink opens in a new window or CalmLink opens in a new window which both offer anonymous helplines and NHS Every Mind Matters.Link opens in a new window

In emergencies, you are advised to call NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health services) or 999 if you are in a life threatening situation.

Artist Instagram: @dynamickart