Two Pints Deep

What's the point in climbing if you can't stop to appreciate the view along the way? This week I sat down with a few of our new creative volunteers to take them through the story of Two Pints Deep. From when the concept was just an idea in my head for a podcast on mental health back in 2021, to how we want to attack the stats as an established suicide prevention charity for many years to come. The in's & the out's. The action plan. It's the first time that I have delivered this in detail to anyone and I LOVED it. A weakness of mine over the past few years has been self recognition of what I've built so far. Mainly because we have so much more to come.... But taking people through every twist & turn was a 'pinch me' exercise that made me realise the importance of stopping and looking back. Appreciate the view.

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐄𝐍 - 𝐖𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔! We are working with Kingston University to investigate some of the factors that affect Men's Mental Health. This will help us identify areas to target support and resource moving forwards with our content and projects. We would be really grateful if you could spare 10 mins to fill out the below anonymous questionnaire before data collection closes on Friday. https://lnkd.in/efQbPcXE

Last week I told our team of volunteers at Two Pints Deep that we need to slow down. Over the last few months since going full time, the energy around Two Pints Deep has been amazing. The people wanting to meet, companies booking in calls, brands wanting to collaborate - it’s been remarkable. But as a one man band, I’ve been pulled in many different directions and tried to say yes to everything. That was a mistake. This is all new to me. I’ve been working too much, and on too many different things without focus on basics. Although growth is the aim, growth without the foundations to continue to scale is the fear. Foundations are everything. So we’ve stripped back, set new goals and I’m learning to politely say no to more opportunities. Not failing, just learning.

🎙️ Episode 36: Finding Strength in Vulnerability with Luke Barrow, Founder of Two Pints Deep 🎙️ In 2021, Luke was living the dream in Australia, playing semi-professional football and enjoying life near the beach with friends. However, his world was turned upside down when he received the devastating news that his mum's cancer had spread. A whirlwind journey back to the UK led to a week with his mum before she passed away. The once vibrant life in Australia seemed like a distant memory as Luke found himself in rural Lancashire, grieving alongside his father. Like many men, Luke initially suppressed his grief, believing he had to 'be a man' and protect his dad. This repression led to severe social anxiety and depression, further exacerbated by a reliance on online gambling as an escape. His breakthrough came at a party with friends, where he courageously opened up about his struggles. This act of vulnerability created a ripple effect, encouraging his friends to share their own battles, and planting the seed for Two Pints Deep. Launched on Instagram in February 2022, Two Pints Deep quickly resonated with thousands, amassing over 23,000 likes and 3,000 followers overnight. This community is designed for the 'average man,' offering a safe space for men to talk about their mental health without the need for alcohol. Luke’s mission is to recreate the warm, confident feeling that many men experience 'two pints deep' in social settings, facilitating open, honest conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Key Topics: - The impact of grief and the challenges of processing it. - The importance of vulnerability and open conversations about mental health. - How societal expectations of masculinity can hinder emotional expression. - The role of community and peer support in mental health. - The power of social media in creating supportive mental health communities. **Join Us:** Listen to Luke’s inspiring journey from despair to creating a thriving mental health community. Gain valuable insights on how to support yourself and others through mental health challenges and discover the strength in vulnerability. Link 🔗 in the comments

Had the absolute pleasure of meeting Luke Barrow at the back end of last year and we got talking all things men's mental health. What he's been building with Two Pints Deep is something truly special and I was delighted to team up for a second piece on the importance of checking in with your mates.

As we approach the end of Men’s Health Month, we wanted to remind you of the importance of checking in on those around you. Family, friends, colleagues. An incredible piece, written and narrated by our good friend George Bryant. Just check. Video by Criostai Newhall #AttackTheStat #TimeToTalk #MentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention

LADS, CAN YOU SPARE 5 MINS? We have partnered with Kingston University to better understand some of the factors that influence men’s mental health. The results will help us keep producing content/creating resources for maximum impact on breaking stigmas. Please share! https://lnkd.in/efQbPcXE

Yesterday was Fathers Day, and dads know everything, right?! From obscure football references to the best motorways to take. They seem to have all the answers. But when it comes to mental health, even the most knowledgeable dads can struggle to reach out. Let your dad know that it’s okay to ask for help. #DadsDontKnowItAll #FathersDay #AttackTheStat #TimeToTalk #MentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention

This week, we chatted to Luke Barrow, founder of the men's mental health and suicide prevention community, Two Pints Deep. We're big believers in the impact of community on mental health so were keen to hear Luke’s story 👇 *** 🍻 What is Two Pints Deep and how did it start? We are a men’s mental health and suicide prevention community who are approaching our full charitable status in the coming weeks. Our main aim is to act as the bridge for men who struggle with their mental health, to break stigmas and encourage conversation to allow them to open up to what a solution may look like for them. I founded Two Pints Deep in February 2022, inspired by my own personal journey overcoming mental health issues that transpired following the death of my mum in 2019. Social anxiety, depression, gambling issues and I didn’t want to speak about any of them. I was embarrassed. 🍻 Why is the work that TPD does so crucial right now? I am, and always have been a normal bloke. It’s who we are at Two Pints Deep. But normal blokes need help. There is currently a huge gap between those that experience mental health issues and the solutions provided. There needs to be a middle ground, a safe space. Where we build our confidence and choose our solution. We lose an average of 13 men every single day in the UK. It’s time for action, and it needs to be accessible to everyone. 🍻 We're big fans of the name. What's it meant to represent? Being Two Pints Deep was my way in to vulnerable conversation. I felt more confident, a little warmer and within a safe space. And it’s what we want to recreate for men, eventually where we can do it without those two pints. Starting from the hardest hit areas and from the places men already feel comfortable. Not asking men to change habits, just add one more. 🍻 What a brilliant initiative! What's next for TPD? I spent the last 3 years working in the recruitment industry, worked my way up to managing our London office and a few weeks ago, I quit my job for good to work full time on Two Pints Deep. It’s a risk, but more needs to be done in this area. There are now 10,000+ of us across our social media platforms, and we run weekly free-to-attend exercise clubs in London and Manchester. Anyone is welcome, conversation is encouraged and vulnerability is celebrated. Our plans are to expand these to different cities, fund new community groups and shake up the way people talk about mental health through our content and projects. So watch out for us! It’s time for us normal lads to make a change. *** We couldn't have put it better ourselves, Luke 🤩 take a look at the website for more: https://lnkd.in/eBEaDjqF If you are ready to get some 1-1 support for your mental health, whether that's coaching, counselling or therapy, the MYNDUP platform is there for you: https://lnkd.in/ea7kgvZv. We're here to help with whatever you need 👋 #menshealthweek

Thoughts are temporary, you are permanent. As today is the start of Euro 2024, we wanted to start our Euro 2024 x Men’s Health Month Series with a reminder that you’ve made it through every single tough match that you’ve faced so far in life. 1 in 5 of us will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. Sometimes there’s no form for this, and the onset can be unpredictable. But what is a banker is that things get better. And this starts with having the right teammates around you. So if you’re worried about some of your recent thoughts, use this as your sign to tell one friend. Can’t find the words? Just send this post to them. #AttackTheStat #TimeToTalk #MensHealthMonth #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention