Shadow artworks arrive to raise awareness of men’s mental health

Shadow portraits of local men have appeared in venues across Northwich and Ellesmere Port, to start conversations about mental health.

The Breaking the Stigma art project is designed to reduce the stigma around seeking help during difficult life events.

Across the UK, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, which is sadly reflected in Cheshire West and Chester.

In response to this, artist Mark Titchner worked with men in both towns to discuss their thoughts, experiences, and ideas about how best to create messages to signpost people to crisis support. 

Many of the participants spoke about feeling invisible, even when they were with other people. In response, Mark developed a project idea around shadows.  

Men from the borough have taken part in workshops to create their shadow portraits, which have been transformed into wooden figures by Mid Cheshire Community Shed.

Cllr Lisa Denson, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health), said:

“We’re delighted that volunteers from Mid Cheshire Community Shed have been able to fabricate these shadow artworks for the first phase of the project. Huge thanks to them for their expertise.

“We’re also really pleased to have so many venues come forward to host the 20 shadows over the next four weeks.  Look out for them in leisure centres, libraries and more across Northwich and Ellesmere Port.”

Each shadow is accompanied by a poster that shares information about the project and helps to signpost people to crisis services both locally and nationally.

If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, visit: 

www.111.nhs.uk 

...and click on 'mental health help' or call 111 and select the mental health option.

Mental health support can also be found here: 

www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/support

Please get in contact if you would like more information about the project: 

artswest@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk