In 2019 just a few short months before the world as we knew it changed forever we approached the Cloth Cat Music Charity with an idea to offer music, virtual reality and film groups to men at risk of suicide in Leeds. The project was to be called Man About Town and would be based on the social prescribing model of providing activities for men accessing mental health services. The men we meet experience isolation, suicide ideation, anxiety and depression and have told us how the groups have made a lasting change to their outlook and lives to date. The films we have made shine a light on the work and show the resilience of our members which is inspiring and life affirming. The one outcome we didn’t expect from this work was how much fun the lads have when we meet, the chat and the support they offer each other keeps them going as the groups grow and evolve.

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As the pandemic took hold we decided against continuing groups online and instead looked at creative ways of keeping in touch, keeping the groups going and working with the guidelines as and when they were released. As a result of the pandemic we set up a walking group and a new idea called the Vinyl Picnic where we would meet in the many available parks and green spaces on offer in Leeds, play records and talk about music and the memories surrounding the records. This idea has gone from strength to strength and has enabled us to move the groups around Leeds, making best use of the green spaces and put sessions on near to men who may otherwise not be able to attend. 

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If you know anyone who would benefit from the Male Suicide Prevention work we do please get in touch. We offer one to one support to begin with, there is no complicated referral process and no expectation on the individual to do anything other than turn up if they feel able to.

We offer song-writing groups, walking groups, groups where we play records, golf groups, photography groups, film groups, photography groups. We can sign post to other mens groups in the area and also advocate for you if you need help with your finances or have language or communication difficulties.

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We have facilitators who are SafeTalk trained and experienced in working alongside vulnerable adults. Email info@creativeframe.org.uk if you are interested in joining one of our groups.