Meet the barbershop chorus promoting older men’s mental health

A Harrogate-based barbershop chorus is promoting wellbeing for older men.

The oldest member of Harrogate Harmony Barbershop Chorus (HHBC) is 92 and the youngest is 66.

Public relations officer Leo Niemiec believes the group can help men’s physical and mental health. He said:

“You cannot worry and sing at the same time.”

Men’s mental health is a pressing concern. In 2021, men made up 74% of suicide victims in England and Wales, according to figures release by the ONS.

A report by mental health charity Mind found that 40% of men regularly feel ‘worried or low’, and Age UK has suggested that 22% of older men have depression.

HHBC, who perform acapella in four-part harmony, rehearse every week at St Peter’s Church in Harrogate town centre.

The group will be performing at the Victoria Shopping Centre in Harrogate on Friday, February 2 at 11am.

The chorus is also offering a five-week singing course for men that will begin on Valentine’s Day (February 14). The full course costs £10 and no previous experience of singing is required. Applicants do not have to audition or be able to read music, and can find out more by emailing chairman@harrogateharmony.org.uk.

Harrogate Harmony Barbershop Chorus can be booked by emailing engagements@harrogateharmony.org.uk.

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New mental health event for men to launch in woods near Harrogate

It is well-known that men are less likely to open up about their mental health issues, but many struggle to do so.

In an effort to encourage talking, Born of the Forest has launched Men’s Woods for Wellbeing, a men-only event, set in 3.5 acres of woodland near Harrogate.

The forest school’s free initiative will run on Monday evenings at 7pm until 8.30pm, with the first one taking place on April 25.

The sessions have been developed to improve men’s wellbeing and mental health and will focus on talking, being part of a group and enjoying the benefits of nature.

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They are being led by owner Chris Silverwood and his brother-in-law Stevey Gilkes, who say they have been “blown away” by the support received since the initiative was announced on social media on Wednesday night.

Mr Silverwood said:

“The idea came about because we are all aware of the impact the pandemic has had on mental health and that men are less likely to seek help.

“The sessions are our opportunity to use our amazing woodland, to give something back to the community and provide an opportunity for men to get together, talk and listen, whilst learning some skills, chopping wood and sitting around a campfire.

“We thought that this environment and format may be something that guys would be interested in, and we’ve been blown away by the response on social media.

“The session is free and no need to book, just turn up. Although I’m a bit worried it is going to be so popular that the carpark won’t be big enough!”

Born of the Forest is currently expanding its forest school offer, with more holiday and after-school clubs, school visits, pre-school sessions and a new therapeutic forest session for children and young adults with special educational needs or disability.

The private woodland is located next to Follifoot Cricket Club. Directions can be found here.