Masc or Manage, 2020.

The Masc or Manage initiatives objective is to mitigate the risk of male suicide in the UK through DIY activity. Statistics published by Samaritans report men are three times as likely to commit suicide, with the highest rate amongst men aged between 45-59. (Samaritans, 2019). The Design is a large scale knitted Tea Cosy structure, that will travel on a nationwide tour of 35 towns and cities in local Working Mens Clubs, vacant retail premises and community centres, where DIY will take place. Working collaboratively with local charities, the aim is to re-ignite community foundations and signpost NHS services to those who feel unheard by providing new skills and social networking.

For more information please email: anthonyjennisionarts@gmail.com.

“ For me, the tea cosy takes me to my gran, and the tea pot and cosy being wheeled through the house for a cup of tea. It ignited conversation about how my day went, how I was feeling, if something was particularly difficult and asking for her advice. The tea pot was placed centred on the table between us, it was the mediator for confessing any mental barriers I had. I would open up to a point where the problem was halved and shared, to then be able to move forward and deal with the issue, feeling supported and comforted. It lightened the load off my shoulders, knowing that now, I wasn’t alone. Now she’s gone, I yearn for that next cup of tea with her and solve the stresses and difficulties of life. Therefore, I built my own.”  Jennison.