Content warning: This article talks about suicide and mental health problems
A pub in Bristol has joined a national campaign to encourage more people to open up about their mental health. Fishponds Tap has been selected as the Bristol hub of UK charity HUMEN's annual ‘Rise Against Suicide’ campaign.
New research conducted by the charity shows 85 per cent of men in the UK won’t share how they feel over a pint with friends. An upcoming event, Pub Pilgrimage, hopes to quash some of the stigmas for men speaking out and reinforce pubs as a space for sharing how we feel.
The Heineken-owned pub on Fishponds Road, formerly the Portcullis, underwent a major £450k transformation in 2021 reconfiguring the ground floor into three distinct areas along with an upstairs function room. Its back garden saw a new paved terrace with planting, festoon lighting and new tables and seating for around 100 people.
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Speaking on the event, Abhi Paudel, Operator of Fishponds Tap commented: “We completely agree with the sentiment of pubs being an essential part of communities. We see this daily as we welcome groups of people from across the city.
"I work hard with my team to create a safe place for our guests to socialise, one where they can talk openly about the issues that matter to them. De-stressing is important, but so is opening up to those we trust.
"When we were asked by Star Pubs & Bars and HUMEN to take part in the nationwide event, we leapt at the chance. I really look forward to the day itself and hope that we can play a part, no matter how big or small, in raising that money and addressing men’s mental health head on next year."
In HUMEN's research, it found that only 15 per cent of men will discuss each other’s feelings. One in two admitted that, if a man did communicate their personal issues, they would be unsure how to help.
The men’s mental health charity is aiming to raise £500,000 nationwide through its 'Pub Pilgrimage' and is calling on the Bristol community to join the walk, donate and help get men talking. Supporters will embark on a 5,151m walk from Fishponds Tap at 10am on Sunday, December 4, each metre representing a man who lost their life to suicide in the last year.
Once the walk is completed, supporters will return to the pub for a warm drink, a welcoming conversation and will be encouraged to donate the cost of a typical round and support HUMEN’s work via its Mental Health Pub Menu.
HUMEN Founder and Actor, River Hawkins said: “We all need friendly spaces to talk, listen and connect. Pubs are the cornerstone of communities, but as our research tells us, they are currently wasted on men – who would seemingly prefer to talk about anything other than their personal trials and tribulations.
"We truly believe that this type of gathering place can play an important role in addressing suicide and mental health, if we just harness it for good, rather than the traditional ‘drink and forget’ mentality that plagues male social circles."
Pubs from all corners of the UK are taking part in the initiative, including London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester, Brighton, Birmingham, Nottingham and Southampton. The charity has the support of several notable backers including Andrew Scott, Bill Nighy, Danny Cipriani, Emma Rigby, David Gandy, Tom Odell and Ugo Monye.
If you can’t attend on the day, donations can still be made to help the team reach the £500,000 target via the event’s Just Giving page.
Samaritans is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for a response in 24 hours.
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