Dewsbury Rams show support for men’s mental health

A new pitch-side advertising board at Dewsbury Rams’ FLAIR stadium, donated by the club, features CLEAR Men’s Talk – a theatre project for men who have experienced mental health issues. 

Dewsbury Rams’ Chairman Mark Sawyer explained why the club has donated the pitch-side advert to Men’s Talk: “Mental health and wellbeing is a key part of the club – when we became aware of Men’s Talk and how it encourages men to talk about their mental health, we were keen to show our support and raise awareness about what they do.” 

 The board features Neil Coulson, a life-long Rams fan, and other members of Men’s Talk in a scene from the play which the group co-produced. The 40-minute production explores themes including depression, suicide, social isolation, and self-harm and delves into societal attitudes towards men’s mental health and how these can begin at a young age. 

Neil said: “We’re out and about touring over the coming months with performances scheduled throughout March and April when audiences will include students, mental health service users and possibly a performance in a prison.” 

Cliff Allchin, the Rams’ welfare officer and chaplain added: “Men’s Talk is an amazing production. It’s a much-needed prompt that opens the way to encourage people, especially men, to discuss the issues of mental health and how it can affect people from all walks of life in different ways. I recommend Men’s Talk as a must-see for all.” 

Men’s Talk is made up of clients from Community Links Engagement and Recovery’s (CLEAR), a creative advocacy project for men who have experienced mental health issues. 

The group will be delivering a special performance at the Rams’ FLAIR Stadium on Tuesday 12 March at 7.30pm. The free event is open to the public and all are welcome, though please be aware that the piece deals with adult themes including suicide and self-harm. 

Stuart Hawkes, community engagement lead for CLEAR, said: “Using theatre has been a very effective way to engage men who had experienced mental health issues. I want to express my thanks to Dewsbury Rams for supporting our vital work. Having been on the road with the show over the last year, it will be good to have a performance back in Dewsbury and it would be great if people would come along and see the show.” 

For more information about Men’s Talk contact stuart.hawkes@commlinks.co.uk.