Members of Spalding HC joined with charities Tonic Health and Bro Pro to create Talk Stick – an initiative to raise awareness of men’s mental health and suicide prevention within the hockey families of Lincolnshire. Following the sad passing of a young adult and Spalding HC member to suicide 18 months ago, Talk Stick was created. Through some Lincolnshire-based funding, Talk Stick offered awareness sessions to each of the clubs in the county, plus information and awareness via online platforms. Over £4,000 via a crowdfunded initiative and promotional events has been raised to date, which Talk Stick aims to reinvest to provide more film and online content, and train two members at each Lincolnshire club in Mental Health First Aid. The next phase will be to extend the scope and reach of Talk Stick beyond Lincolnshire, sharing the powerful messages around men’s mental health and how to reach out if you’re in need, or how to reach out to a teammate if you feel they are in need. Talk Stick played their first charity match recently, bringing together players from 6 different clubs, and the ambition is also to increase visibility through more charity matches.
Talk Stick are England Hockey Awards 2026 Winners: Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award.
Ways to support Talk Stick:
Donations via Crowdfunder: Any donation is gratefully received, but donate £15 or more and receive a limited edition Talk Stick playing shirt (as modelled by or founders, Sam, Michael and David!
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/talk-stick—breaking-the-silence
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For more information, please contact: [email protected]