Bristol-based 'Talk Club' opens new mental health group at Ashton Gate
The talking and listening group for men has more than 60 groups around the world - but launches a new group here in Bristol this evening
'How are you, out of ten?'
That's the question members of Talk Club are asked right at the start and just at the end of each meeting - and for those near Ashton Gate, a new group is launching tonight to help men in Bristol answer just that.
'Talk Club' - a talking and listening group for men - is no stranger to Bristol, having started out right here in the city, but it has since expanded in its short three-and-a-half years of existing, and has gained a strong worldwide following.
Tonight, thanks to the Bristol City Robins Foundation and support from a long-time patron, yet another weekly session will be launching, as they hope to get more men talking about how they feel - and how they can make sure, out of ten, they're the largest number they can be.
The origins of Talk Club
The charity was first envisioned after its CEOs watched the 'Steve Documentary' - a piece of work about Steve Yates and looking at the impact of suicide, which is said to be the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.
Taking inspiration from this film, Talk Club's Gavin Thorpe worked with his co-founders to create a talking group for men, with the intentions of it staying in Bristol.
Co-CEO Gavin Thorpe said: "We say we became CEOs of a charity we never meant to start - and now we're here with 65 clubs around the world, with two and a half thousand men in the community...
"Three and a half years later, and Talk Club is absolutely thriving - and we've had these amazing partnerships with it - it's growing and growing and it's just incredible to have been a part of its journey. It's just amazing."
The fresh location
From Stoke and Sheffield, all the way to Singapore - Talk Club, which started right here in Bristol, now has mental health support clubs all around the world.
However, Bristol City has always been the group's spiritual home.
Gavin said: "Bristol City is where it all began for us as a charity - our very first ever Talk Club was in the kitchen of Bristol Beer Factory - so the charity was born in South Bristol.
"We've already got a Talk Club at Bristol Rovers, too - so it was only fair to have one at Bristol City too!"
The charity approached the Robins, thanks to the suggestion - and work - of one of their high-profile ambassadors, Joe Sims - according to Gavin, a 'huge' Bristol City fan.
With the group ready to launch, Gavin reflected on their progress in the short time they've been around.
He said: "We get emails from lots of people saying how much we've helped them - but for us, when we hear words like, 'Talk Club has basically saved my life', then for me, that's it. If one person says that, then that's incredible.
"And that's the whole point - we're building a mentally-fit community of men who are good for their community, good for society and good for themselves. It's really important we look after ourselves - and usually, it's the people who say they're just 'fine' that need the group the most.
"I'd say coming to one of our groups is basically like a gym for the brain!"
Talk Club hold different types of groups, including the traditional talking sessions, as well as 'talk and move' and 'talking therapy' sessions.
Later this evening, for the first session, ambassador Joe Sims will be leading the group.
The mental health support group 'Talk Club' is launching tonight (Wednesday, November 23) and runs every week between 19.30-21.30 - with there already being a number of clubs in the city, across the UK, and around the word.
You can find out more about Talk Club here.
You can find out more about the Bristol City Robins Foundation here.
You can watch the 'Steve Documentary' here.