About this Event
What does being a man mean to you when things get difficult?
ARE YOU ALRIGHT MATE? is a new creative project exploring men's experiences of mental health, connection, isolation and finding a way through difficult times.
We're inviting five local men in Newton Abbot to take part in an individual session with the Alright Mate? team. It's a chance to sit down, have a proper conversation and share your experiences in your own words.
Your story could help start conversations that prevent suicide, by being part of a new public artwork coming to railway stations in Devon in January 2027, featuring large-scale portraits and recorded stories that people will be able to hear via QR codes.
What happens at the session?
Your session will last approximately 1.5 hours and will take place one-to-one with a member of the Alright Mate? team.
You'll be invited to talk about your experiences of mental health, difficult periods in your life, isolation, relationships, connection and the things that have helped you along the way.
You don't need to be an expert, a confident storyteller or someone who normally talks about their feelings. There are no right answers, and you only share what you're comfortable sharing.
Following the conversation, you'll have the opportunity to have your portrait taken for the project. If you'd prefer not to have your face used in the final artwork, there is also an alternative option to work with a wet plate photographer to create an image that doesn't identify you in the same way.
The project is particularly interested in honest and hopeful stories - not stories that have all the answers, but experiences that might help someone else feel less alone.
Who is it for?
The session is for local men who are willing to talk honestly about their own experiences of mental health, wellbeing, difficult times or suicide.
You don't need to have a particular diagnosis or experience. You don't need to think of yourself as someone who 'struggles with mental health'. If you've been through a difficult period, felt isolated, supported someone else, or simply have something to say about men's mental health, we'd like to hear from you.
This is a space where talking about difficult subjects, including suicide, is okay.
Before you book
This session involves talking openly about mental health and may include discussion of difficult experiences, including suicide, bereavement, isolation and periods of poor mental health.
You will never be asked to share anything you don't want to. The conversation will be led sensitively by the Alright Mate? team, and you can pause or stop the session at any time.
If you feel this might be difficult for you right now, please consider whether taking part is right for you. You don't need to have your story all worked out - just come as you are.
Event details
Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
Time: 10am–5pm - you'll be allocated an individual 1.5-hour session within this timeframe
Venue: River End, The Maltings, Teign Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4AA
Places: 5 individual spaces
Cost: Suggested donation from £5
Booking: Advance booking is essential
Please select a time when booking that works for you.
ARE YOU ALRIGHT MATE? is being delivered by Alright Mate? CIC in partnership with Great Western Railway, alongside the Samaritans, Andy's Man Club and Pete's Dragons.
The railway station installation will launch at several railways, including Newton Abbot in January 2027.
One question. Fifteen stories. An opportunity to make someone else feel less alone.
Are you alright mate?
Event venue & nearby stays
River End, The Maltings, Newton Abbot, United Kingdom
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