Plans have been submitted for an eye-catching artwork in Chester city centre to encourage conversations about men’s mental health and accessing support. The new art will replace “How to Work better” which was installed as part of the Chester Contemporary art festival in 2023

Across the UK, and locally, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.

In response, artist Mark Titchner has been working with local men to discuss their thoughts, experiences, and ideas about raising awareness of men’s mental health and wellbeing.

The artwork proposal draws on conversations about care and connection that the artist held with men during workshops across the borough. It invites people to reflect on these shared experiences and engage with the themes in their own way.

Subject to planning permission, the final artwork will be installed on the Forum wall in Exchange Square, by Chester Market.

The piece is part of a wider borough arts project called Breaking the Stigma, led by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health), said: “Breaking the Stigma is a reminder that we need to listen, care and be there for others, particularly the men in our lives.

“Following successful projects in Northwich and Ellesmere Port, this Chester artwork aims to bring the conversation to a wide audience using the city centre.”

Mark, a Turner Prize nominated artist, has been exploring ideas with local men to finalise the artwork. Focus groups in Chester found the design to be a powerful reflection of their experiences and conversations. One participant said: “Someone may read this and say ‘that’s what I need’.”

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.