'Art made together is better for mental health'

Rich Redwin (left) hopes members like David and Andy (right) enjoy the "community and socialising" of the new group

An artist based in Stoke-on-Trent who has suffered mental health issues for years has described a new men's support group as an "amazing place."

David is used to working alone but has appreciated the opportunity to socialise and collaborate on a collective lantern project.

The Men Who Make Things group at B Arts in Hartshill was formed to bring men together, regardless of the condition of their mental health or artistic experience.

"Art's a kind of visual way of working through problems," said David, "Art's often looking for a solution."

"We're thinking about this an as early intervention," explained Mr Redwin (left) "A lot of the time we're not talking about mental health at all"

David suggested that creating art alone can be an isolating experience: "I was an artist before my mental health problems so I'm not sure if it helps!"

"Sometimes it's a frustration - I suppose it's an analogy for life."

He reassured mental health sufferers "not to worry" about joining this "easy, very friendly" group.

Fellow artist and session leader, Rich Redwin, established the group in September and secured two years of funding from the Baring Foundation, a foundation that protects human rights and promotes inclusion.

He explained that the centre was engaging very well with women but not reaching nearly as many men.

"There's a men's mental health crisis," he said. "We're not reaching out to men in the same way, we're not providing an environment for men to be creative and engage and have community."

The group is creating a 10ft (3m) lantern of the Greek god Prometheus which it hopes to display at Cheadle Lantern Parade this Saturday.

It has plans to move onto metalwork, woodwork and set-building on future projects.

• Newcomers are welcome to join free Wednesday night sessions from 18:00 at the B Arts Studio in Hartshill.