28/08/2026
The irony of seeing this is difficult for me to ignore.
When I was verbally attacked by men on three separate occasions while out in Belper, one of those incidents happened in this gentleman’s pub. I became extremely distressed and ultimately suffered a panic attack — all while I was live-streaming, meaning thousands of people witnessed what was happening to me in real time.
What has stayed with me is that while I was visibly distressed in his establishment, I did not feel that I was offered the care, support or intervention that I desperately needed in that moment.
So seeing him now pictured supporting a campaign encouraging men to talk about their mental health is difficult to reconcile with my own experience.
I absolutely support mental-health awareness — for men and for everyone. But compassion and safeguarding cannot just exist on posters, leaflets and social-media posts. It has to exist in the moment when somebody standing in front of you is actually in distress.
Mental health matters even when it isn’t part of a campaign. 🤎
Belper, we’re coming 💙
Another local venue has joined our Turn Your Bar Blue campaign, helping us shine a light on men’s mental health across Belper.
🍻 A big shout out to The Bottle Bank - Bar and Kitchen for getting involved!
For many men, a bar can be where the journey starts. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as a beer mat.
And now, we’re bringing Mentell to Belper too.
📍 Our new Mentell group launches on 7th of September.
Before then, come and have a brew with us at our Coffee & Chat on Wednesday 2nd September at Blue Box Belper.
🔗 Free tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coffee-and-chat-with-mentell-belper-tickets-1998211116239
Know a man in Belper who might need this? Tag him.
Know a local venue that should get involved? Send them our way.
Let’s get Belper talking. 💙
