Timmy Mallett backs bench chat initiative

Timmy Mallett is supporting the initiative to get men talking

TV personality Timmy Mallett has said his own family experiences helped inspire his involvement in a scheme to encourage men to talk more about their mental health.

The former Wacaday presenter from Cookham, Berkshire, and famous for wielding his own toy mallet, is backing an initiative by the Men's Shed charity to create and install 100 benches around the country.

He recalled conversations with his older brother Martin, who had Down's syndrome, and that "sharing a moment and a chat actually makes you feel good".

The Mission: Shoulder to Shoulder project sees "buddy benches" constructed in locations including Southampton, Checkendon in Oxfordshire, Slough, Welling, and Milton Keynes.

The Men's Sheds charity runs workshops for men to get together to work on projects, share skills and help ease social isolation.

Mallet, 70, is backing the campaign, which aims to break the stigma over men's mental health and show "how simple chats between strangers can brighten a day or even change a life".

It also highlights alcohol consumption among older men, who are the most likely group to drink above the recommended limits.

The idea of the benches to encourage conversations follows research by the charity that showed a single bench facilitated 5.5 conversations a day - more than 2,000 every year.

Timmy Mallett was famous for wielding Mallett's mallet

The former BBC Radio Oxford presenter said the idea reflected his experiences during long-distance cycles throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe, when people would stop and chat to him.

"Its about getting conversations started - they don't have to be deep and meaningful, they just have to happen," he said.

"Your friends are absolutely vital and friendship groups are crucial to everything about your your sense of worth and well-being.

"Your kids will grow up and eventually leave home and at some stage, God forbid, you may end up on your own through bereavement or or divorce.

"In that case it is a bit too easy to reach for a little extra glass of something."

He said the campaign reminded of him of his relationship with his older brother who died in 2018.

"My dear brother Martin - with language and learning difficulties - he never let Down's syndrome define him," he said.

"Martin would say, 'You and me, I'm happy'.

"Now that's a really powerful comment that just says its about being together and sharing the moment with people.

"Maybe these benches around the country could have that impact as well."