The power of connection: Local men’s voices shape new public artwork
A new artwork designed to inspire conversations about mental health has been officially launched in Chester today.
The eye-catching Someone, by Turner Prize-nominated artist Mark Titchner, has been prominently installed in Exchange Square, near Chester Market, on a wall of the former Forum building.
It is part of a wider borough arts project called Breaking the Stigma, led by Cheshire West and Chester Council in response to the fact that across the UK, and locally, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
Mark worked with men’s groups in the borough to coproduce the wording and concept, basing the text on conversations about care and connection.
Someone invites people to reflect on these shared experiences and engage with the themes in their own way.
Mark, who spoke at the launch and awareness event today said:
“Since the summer of 2025, it has been my privilege to meet with men and men’s groups in Cheshire West and Chester, hear their stories and experiences, and share ideas about how art could highlight urgent issues around men’s mental health and contribute to greater public awareness. ... I have been struck by the generosity and openness of the people I have worked with, and the experience has been both inspiring and humbling. What is clear is that these issues affect people from all backgrounds and walks of life and that small, caring interactions can make a significant difference to those experiencing difficulties."
A new artwork designed to inspire conversations about mental health has been officially launched in Chester today.
Jim from Chester Football Club, one of the men who worked with Mark, shared his thoughts about the project.
He said:
“As the city’s football club, we have a role to play in supporting our community and helping to break down the stigma around men’s mental health and suicide. We know that many of our supporters, and people across our community, will have their own experiences of mental health challenges. We want men in Chester, and beyond, to talk about how they’re feeling, ask for help when they need it and look out for each other. ... Having this artwork in a prominent public space is a great way to get the message out there, by encouraging people to stop, think and start conversations, and remind men that support is always available”.
Information about where to find mental health support is displayed by the artwork, which was officially unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Margaret Parker.
Cllr Parker said:
“It really is such an important project – hearing from just some of the men who have coproduced it really brings it home to you. ... What I will take away from this is how we all need to have those conversations with each other and be that someone that everyone needs. If this artwork helps even one person start a conversation or reach out for help when they need it, then it will have made a real difference.”
The eye-catching Someone, by Turner Prize-nominated artist Mark Titchner, has been prominently installed in Exchange Square, near Chester Market, on a wall of the former Forum building
The project has been championed by Cllr Lisa Denson, the Council’s Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health).
She said:
“The rates of male suicide within the UK, as well as our borough, have identified the need to take a different approach to encouraging men to reach out. ...The aim of the campaign is to remove the stigma of asking for help and encourage all of us to keep an eye out for each other. Asking ‘how are you?’ – and meaning it – can mean so much more. A conversation can save someone’s life. We can all be that ‘Someone’ referred to here.”
Bookmarks featuring Someone are also available in neighbouring businesses, with information about support on the reverse.
If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please visit: www.111.nhs.uk and click on 'mental health help' or call 111 and select the mental health option.
For more information about local and national services visit: hubofhope.co.uk
Free suicide awareness training is also available for individuals and organisations. This teaches people the skills and confidence to have a potentially life-saving conversation with someone they are worried about. For more information visit: www.zerosuicidealliance.com.