The University of Huddersfield raises money for CLEAR’s Men’s Talk

The University of Huddersfield’s cheerleading team are raising funds for Community Links Engagement and Recovery Service’s (CLEAR) Men’s Talk group by hosting their annual cheer showcase this weekend.

Men’s Talk is a performance and advocacy project for men who have experienced mental health challenges. The group uses theatre and film to encourage men to make connections and learn new skills.

Volunteer at Men’s Talk, Norman, is part of the Public Partnership Group at the University of Huddersfield, a group of individuals with lived experience of mental and physical health conditions which works with healthcare students to carry out real-life scenarios.

Norman said: “It has been very fulfilling working with the students, and it helps me to process what has been going on in my life.”

During his time with the students, Norman discussed how Men’s Talk had supported him to build up his confidence after a life changing accident, he said: “they helped get me back on my feet.”

The students were all moved by Norman’s story and his involvement with Men’s Talk. We spoke to Ede, a third-year physiotherapist student and member of the Cheerleading Committee about Norman’s visit:

“I think I can speak for both the tutors and the cohort when I say that Norman’s session with us is one of the most engaging sessions we’ve had. Many students commented after about how thankful they were that he was so open and honest with us, and I think we have learnt some invaluable skills as clinicians on addressing more sensitive topics.

Personally, I have dealt with losing someone very dear to me through mental health struggles, so hearing about Norman’s involvement with Men’s Talk resonated deeply with me. We are more than happy to donate the profits of our showcase to Men’s Talk – it is somewhere close to heart but also close to home.”

The meaningful impact that Norman and the Men’s Talk group have had on the students demonstrates our commitment to driving social value and highlights the worth of difference our services make to people’s lives within our local communities.

We are very grateful to the Huddersfield Warriors for their support. If you want to fundraise for one of our services email: development@inspirenorth.co.uk, or you can donate to the Inspire North group here.

The University of Huddersfield’s Cheerleading Squad, Huddersfield Warriors, are a competitive cheerleading squad. To learn more about the squad, click here.

To learn more about Men’s Talk and their upcoming theatre performance tour you can check out their Facebook page. To hear Norman’s story, check out our blog post.