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A series of group sessions hoping to address male loneliness and disconnection are set to be held weekly during Men's Health Month.
Every Thursday in November, The Harbour Gallery will offer 'Men-Ships' sessions as a way for men to learn new skills, make new friends, and improve wellbeing to combat the rising issue of male depression and social isolation.
The sessions will be held at The Harbour Gallery’s new St Helier location next to Normans at Commercial Buildings.
The range of activities covers various interests, from cooking and chess to music, photography, and even a Lego building challenge.
Pat Robson – co-owner of the Art in the Frame Foundation which runs The Harbour Gallery – is organising the sessions.
Pictured: Pat Robson, co-owner of the Art in the Frame Foundation, is organising the Men-Ships sessions.
She explained that Men-Ships was created to foster a sense of community and connection among men, encouraging them to be more open about their wellbeing and, eventually, improve their mental health.
This came after Pat saw many men on the island lacking a sense of community and interest in social activities, which she described as "living half a life".
She emphasised the difference between men and women when it comes to talking about their feelings and seeking emotional help.
"Many men seem to be depressed and lack interest in doing anything...but they are not making contact," said Pat.
She reassured potential attendees, saying: "We are really friendly, very inviting, and love having a good laugh – don't feel awkward about coming; everyone's in the same boat!"
Pat hopes to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere at the Men-Ships events, where attendees can feel comfortable and engage in meaningful conversations.
The event was inspired by the Men's Sheds programme in the UK – a community workshop where men can chat, socialise, and participate in activities like woodworking and repairs in venues such as garden sheds or cabins.
Pictured: The local Men-Ships sessions will take place at The Harbour Gallery’s new St Helier location next to Normans at Commercial Buildings.
“For a long time, research has shown the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on a person’s health and wellbeing," the Men's Shed website explains.
“[Men] Sheds are about meeting like-minded people and having someone to share your worries with. They are about having fun, sharing skills and knowledge with like-minded people and gaining a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
"As a by-product of all of that they reduce isolation and feelings of loneliness, they allow men to deal with mental health challenges more easily and remain independent, they rebuild communities and in many cases, they save men’s lives.”
The local Men-Ships event series at the Harbour Gallery will include various activities...
A chef will lead this session in the courtyard, focusing on cooking with limited facilities to make it accessible for those living in small flats.
Participants will also sample different foods, including Genuine Jersey cupcakes as a sweet treat.
No experience is necessary for this quick-fire chess session where teams change frequently, with each team having only 10 minutes per turn.
Participants can enjoy live music and engage in a chat with guitar player Paul Sharkey.
Local photographer Barney De La Cloche will teach participants how to capture the best images on their phones or cameras.
This challenge features a mountain of giant Lego, and participants can build in pairs or teams as they take on a challenge revealed on the night.
Priced at £10 per session or £40 for a package of five sessions, the offer includes both a drink and a fun activity each week.
If successful, the sessions will continue to run throughout December too.
To book a place, you can email info@theharbourgalleryjersey.com or call 01534 743044.
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