Mental health charity launch ‘pub pilgrimages’ to commemorate men lost to suicide

It is hoped the campaign will help people open up about their mental health.

Atlas Bar in the Deansgate area of the city has partnered with Humen, a charity dedicated to fighting male suicide, as part of the charity’s annual ‘Rise Against Suicide’ campaign.

Supporters of the campaign came together to walk 5,151m to and from the pub – with each meter representing a life lost to suicide last year.

Over 5,000 men in the UK and Ireland took their own lives in the last year, accounting for 74% of all suicides.

However, men are half as likely to seek out the help and support they need for their mental health. 14 men take their own lives every day

The 2022 fundraising challenge ‘Pub Pilgrimage’ aimed to bring friends, families and communities together to reflect and honour those who have been lost.

We spoke to one of the owners of Atlas Bar, Mark Wrigley who tragically lost his son Ioannis to suicide seven years ago.

Speaking to I LOVE MCR, Mark Said:

“We wanted to get involved because it’s something close to our hearts, as we lost our son to suicide seven years ago.

“The warning signs weren’t there. It was honestly the last thing we were expecting.

“Men are all thought to be tough guys and just carry the weight of the world on our shoulders but it’s not possible.

Mark said he thought it was a great idea that Humens were trying to open up pubs as a place where men felt comfortable to talk what they are going through.

He said:

“It’s a great idea really.

“Pubs are a great place to come and chat and talk. I welcome the concept. There are too many male suicides and blokes don’t talk enough about their feelings.

“The average guy goes to the pub four hours a week and it’s a good place to be with your friends and open up about your feelings a bit more.

“Longer term aim of the charity is to try and establish surgeries in pubs as a meeting place to sit down and have a chat.

“It’s still a bit raw talking about it – but people need to start talking about it, as it’s affecting so many people.

“It’s a whole thing we’re really tough guys, we can handle these emotions but sometimes, I know it’s a cliché but it’s good to talk.”

The campaign is hoping to raise £50,000, and is currently about half way there.

You can donate to this great cause by clicking here.

Humen founder River Hawkins said: “We all need friendly spaces to talk, listen and connect.

“Pubs are the cornerstone of communities, but as our research tells us, they are currently wasted on men – who would seemingly prefer to talk about anything other than their personal trials and tribulations.

“We truly believe that this type of gathering place can play an important role in addressing suicide and mental health, if we just harness it for good, rather than the traditional ‘drink and forget’ mentality that plagues male social circles.”

You can read more about Humens by clicking here.