John Kearns showcases the Terry Bradley guitar for Action Mental Health

Irish artist Terry Bradley and Chris Moffitt of Kithara Guitars recently launched a collaborative project that is close to both their hearts, raising much-needed funds for Action Mental Health.

AMH run a service called Men’s Shed’s, where they provide spaces to give men the opportunity to share skills, socialise and connect with their wider community to support their mental health and well-being.

Chris takes us behind the scenes on the passion behind such an exciting project. "Terry and myself felt this was fitting to our own personal experience using our craft as a creative release from our struggles. We hope to raise awareness and funds for the amazing work AMH do with the hope that more men can access Men’s shed and use their skills as a creative release from their struggles, and socialise with a wider community."

Part of the stigma that still exists about mental health for men is that men have greater difficulty talking about their own struggles than perhaps women do.

The ambition behind the Never Give Up project is to reach more men and de-stigmatise the topic of their mental health.

Chris Moffitt shares: "We decided to use one of our signature guitar models as the foundation, The Harland. From this, we worked with Terry on selecting the most suitable materials and hardware that would compliment his work. Once the foundations of the guitar were made, we knew it was best to give Terry all of his creative freedom to let loose on his masterpiece."

Terry asked John Kearns to take a look and give it a practice. John shares his what it feels like to play such a beauty, and why this campaign is so special.

"I am very happy to be involved in such a worthwhile project. Terry Bradley and Kithara Guitars did an amazing job on the guitar."

"I think art and music have combined beautifully here to create something that will be so beneficial for people in Northern Ireland via Action Mental Health. It's an incredibly worthwhile cause and hopefully people will get on board and try to win that guitar for themselves, and in doing so make a difference to so many people."

Take a closer look 👇

How to take part & donate:

Donations of £10 or more will enter you into the raffle, with the custom guitar going to one lucky winner. Click HERE to donate

If you're struggling with your mental health is so important to share your feelings and talk to someone. Chris' advice for anyone suffering is to "take one day at a time and to focus on the small victories. Find something you enjoy, you don't have to be good at it, just enjoy it, jump into it and let it become a way to release your emotions. Check in on your mates, tell them how you're feeling, you’ll find you aren’t the only one feeling these struggles, the more you learn that you aren't alone the easier it is to open up about. Telling that first person I wasn't doing so good was the first step forward, and I never looked back. Keep talking!"

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• John Kearns
• mental health
• charity
• kithara guitars
• terry bradley