Mental Health Awareness Week | Ipswich Talk Club

As part of its support of Mental Health Awareness Week, Ipswich Town Foundation is highlighting Ipswich Talk Club.

Running in co-operation with the Ipswich Town Foundation and Ipswich Town Football Club, Ipswich Talk Club was launched in April 2022. The sessions are held in the Champions Lounge at Portman Road on Tuesday evenings from 7pm-8.30pm, excluding first-team matchdays.

Talk Club is a national and international programme that launched in 2018, serving as a talking and listening club for men, helping them to keep mentally fit by offering a secure and private space to share and support each other. It’s a simple medicine that starts with asking – how are you, out of 10? By checking in regularly with yourself and other men, Talk Club creates a community that is largely missing in today’s world.

“Ipswich Talk Club is a unique place where men can share thoughts and feelings in a safe environment,” David Edgington, an attendee of the sessions told the Foundation website.

“It feels special meeting at Portman Road when you think of all the history and tradition of Ipswich Town.”

“Ipswich Town Foundation supporting Talk Club shows the Club cares about the community and the wellbeing of the fans,” added another Ipswich Talk Club member.

“I was nervous of talking to a group of men about how I’m feeling, but I’m so glad I did.

“Talk Club is a safe space where I feel really listened to. It’s become a highlight of my week and an important community to me.”

The sessions are led by Joe Thomson, one of the founding Club Captains of the Talk Club initiative and Ipswich Talk Club Captain.

“Talk Club and Joe helped me to realise it is good to talk about your problems rather than bottling them up,” Craig Wright, a member of Ipswich Talk Club and Ipswich Town season ticket holder, has said.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself too. I’d recommend it to anyone because you may not know that help is out there, but it is and nobody will judge you.”

Talk Club, aided by operating in small groups, offers a welcoming environment for men of all ages in the local community, whether they are football fans or not.

More information about the programme can be found by visiting talkclub.org.

Men who would to attend or learn more about Ipswich Talk Club, email joe.thomson1@gmail.com.