Shadow artworks to be created to raise awareness of men’s mental health

Men in Northwich and Ellesmere Port are invited to join a powerful art project to reduce the stigma of asking for help when they are in crisis or experiencing difficult life events.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working with artist Mark Titchner and local men on the project, which will see shadows portraits appearing in different venues in each town, linked to information about where to find support.

Mark is running workshops in the two towns this month for men to create their own anonymous shadow portraits that will be used in the project.

In July, Mark met men in these areas to discuss their thoughts, experiences, and ideas to shape how and where to create messages to signpost people to crisis support. 

He said:

“Many of the men I spoke to talked about feeling invisible, even when they were with other people.   

“Following these conversations, I developed the idea to create shadow portraits of men in the area.

“These will be placed in public spaces alongside information about the project and the crisis support services that are available in the area.”

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

“Listening, caring, and being there for someone can really help.  Everyone should feel seen, heard, and supported—and this project helps us remember that. 

“We’d like to invite men to continue to help shape this visual campaign. Come along and join Mark at a session to create your own shadow portrait.”

The shadow artworks will each have a home in Ellesmere Port and Northwich.

If you’d like to look after a shadow in your workplace, shop or venue, please get in touch.

Shadows will be available in three heights – two metres, one metre and half a metre.

The shadow portrait sessions will take place in November, to coincide with Movember men's health awareness month.  Participants only need to attend one session.

The workshop dates are:

• Tuesday, 18 November, 2pm – 3pm, at Theatre Porto, in Ellesmere Port
• Tuesday, 18 November, 7pm – 8pm,  at Theatre Porto, in Ellesmere Port
• Wednesday, 19 November, 2pm – 3pm, at Mind Body Balance, in Northwich
• Wednesday, 19 November, 6.30pm - 7.30pm, at Mind Body Balance, in Northwich

Please email: 

artswest@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk 

...if you would like to take part in one of these sessions. 

Please also get in contact if you would like more information about hosting a shadow.

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

Pictured - Artist Mark Titchner with an example of the large shadow portrait.