TALK. is an ongoing portraiture project by Edinburgh-based photographer Graham Williams exploring the subject of men’s mental health, where the portraits are made after a conversation between photographer and sitter about their own experiences. The project aims to start a wider conversation about a subject which is still relatively under-discussed and to encourage anyone who may be struggling to reach out for help. It’s time to TALK.
Website: Talk Portraits
Part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2023.
Where?
Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh - until 29th October 2023
Part of Scottish International Storytelling Festival - 13th - 29th October 2023
MIX UP REVIEWS:
Stewart - ★★★★★
"A poignant and moving exhibition is currently displayed at the Storytelling Centre. It is a series of portraits of people who openly talk about how men's mental health has had a hold on their lives. Graham Williams ongoing photography project opens opportunities to discuss and reflect, whilst we can read snippets of people's lives. There's hope in there as well as help groups are discussed such as the Edinburgh Blue Balls - which takes weekly cold-water dips at Portobello beach - sounds like a fantastic initiative.
The exhibition at the Storytelling centre is small but effective, it's a short insight into the lives of these people. The project continues online on Instagram and on the website.
Sadly, at these times it is rare to find anyone who hasn't been affected in some way by mental health and its effects on friends and family - projects like these are a wonderful way to open up the conversation, remove the stigma and introduce many more opportunities for further information. An important piece of work and we wish Graham all the best of luck as the project continues."
THE SAMARITANS Free, confidential advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call: 116 123 www.samaritans.org jo@samaritans.org THE EDINBURGH CRISIS CENTRE Call: 0808 801 0414 Text: 07974429075 www.edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk
Men Matter Scotland The Positive Support Network for Men We exist to support All Men’s mental health, improve men's quality of life, expand and enrich men’s connections. We facilitate activities that support positive mental, physical and emotional health and wellbeing for men. We run weekly groups, sessions and activities, facilitated on a peer to peer basis where men can meet in a safe and friendly place, talk openly, be listened to and feel supported without judgment within a confidential setting from people who are equal to you – your peers. Men from all walks of life come together daily/weekly to share their experiences, their struggles and their advice with one another. In our peer support network and groups you are able to talk to other men who have first-hand lived experience of similar situations. Men can come along, take part, have fun, get fit, meet new people. Or men can simply come along, see what we are about and listen without any pressure to talk. This is absolutely fine too. We also run FREE weekly sessions for All Men to attend. All sessions are aimed to support Good health (both mental and physical), and are a perfect opportunity for men to become connected in positive meaningful activities. Come along and make new friends; get fitter; gain new skills and confidence; regain a sense of purpose and ultimately be a positive male role model within your family and community. MORE INFO
Edinburgh Blue Balls Weekly sea dips to give men the chance to improve mental and physical health. Men supporting Men. The Edinburgh Blue Balls is a weekly men's mental health and cold water dipping group located in Portobello, Edinburgh. Our group meets twice a week for a refreshing dip in the cold waters of Portobello, with a social aspect to the experience. Before the dip, we usually gather up to 30 minutes early to catch up with each other, and then head down to the beach at a designated time. The beach serves as our changing room, and we wait for each other to arrive so that we can take a group photo (optional) and enter the water together as a supportive group. You are welcome to spend as much time as you like in the water; there's no competition or pressure. Please be sure to read our safety advice before dipping with us. After the dip, we quickly change into warm clothes and enjoy a hot drink. To add to the social element, we head for a meet up The Porty Tap on Thursdays, and on Sunday mornings, we all gather around The Little Green van for a hot drink and a pastry. MORE INFO
Joshua Nolan Foundation Two people end their lives in Scotland every day. That’s more than the amount who die on Scotland’s roads in traffic accidents. UK wide suicide is the biggest killer of men between 20 and 49. And that’s even more than cancer and heart disease. Every suicide is a preventable tragedy. JNF’s aim is to reduce these numbers by helping to fund quality therapy sessions for those who desperately need it, whilst also improving awareness of the issue and the support available. MORE INFO
Andy's Man Club IT’S OKAY TO TALK. ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. We want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation. #ITSOKAYTOTALK MORE INFO
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