World Mental Health Day 2024 - We've smashed our target!
We mark World Mental Health Day by smashing our 1st-year target with 25 pink Speakeasy Benches
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, the Speakeasy Club proudly announces a significant milestone in their mental health initiative. Launched on October 9th, 2024, the Speakeasy Bench project initially aimed to place 10 benches in communities by October 10th. Surpassing expectations, the initiative now boasts 25 benches across South and West Wales, the Valleys, and Sheffield, all strategically located in community sports venues, hospices, cafes, and businesses.
The Speakeasy Bench is not just a place to sit—it’s a symbol of inclusion, resilience, and the celebration of being different. Each bench carries the message: “Being different is cool.” The benches invite conversation and connection, fostering support within the community. With a QR code linking to the Speakeasy Club’s website, visitors can access free mental health resources—providing immediate help to those who need it most.
“We’re thrilled to have exceeded our initial target,” says Simon Clarke, founder of Speakeasy Club. “This project is about breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health by offering something simple, yet powerful—a bench to start the conversation. Every new bench is a reminder that mental health matters in every community. Being part of a community sports club has an incredible impact on mental health, and we’re passionate about supporting and celebrating the work these clubs do.”
The success of the project has been made possible thanks to the support of 22 venues including the world-famous Cardiff Arms Park, Rodney Parade & Hillsborough stadiums and organizations such as the National Lottery Community Fund, LCB Group, R&L Developments, Addis Housewares, Quality Carpets Direct, and several other corporate partners.
Individuals can search for the closet bench/resources to them by visiting Speakeasy Club’s website here and putting in their postcode.
Reflecting on his own mental health journey, Clarke shared, “If I had access to these resources in places I visited regularly, maybe I wouldn’t have found myself on the edge of a cliff at Barry Island.”
One core element of Speakeasy Club’s mission is helping people find their “Clubhouse”—a safe, judgment-free space where they feel they belong.
“Sport has given me so much throughout my life,” Simon continues. “When I was battling my own mental illness, the rugby club clubhouse was my refuge from reality. We need to make these spaces as accessible as possible and show future generations the power of talking and connecting. That’s what Speakeasy Club is all about—and why I want to see pink benches everywhere, from Wales and beyond.”
The initiative is already making a profound impact. By positioning the benches in key locations, the Speakeasy Club is providing both a literal and metaphorical space for people to pause, reflect, and seek support.
On September 27th, a group of 25 participants took on the Bench2Bench Challenge, walking 40 miles from RTB Ebbw Vale Bowls Club to Old Penarthians Rugby Club. Along the way, they passed 8 Speakeasy benches, raising nearly £5,000 for charity and sparking countless meaningful conversations. Plans are underway for four Bench2Bench walks in 2025, continuing the mission to raise awareness and build community.
With the initiative continuing to grow, Speakeasy Club has ambitious plans to expand its reach even further in the coming months, with a minimum of 60 benches in place and supporting thousands more people.
Meet you at the bench…
Match Report - Clubhouse Conversations Live with Shaun Edwards September 2024
Clubhouse Conversations Live - Shaun Edwards
Reflecting on a Successful Clubhouse Series with Shaun Edwards
We wrapped up another fantastic round of Clubhouse conversations featuring the legendary Shaun Edwards! Nearly 300 attendees joined our three events to enjoy Shaun’s captivating stories, full of honesty, insight, and humility.
Event Highlights:
Thursday afternoon, the 5th, saw us hosted by the exceptional Asador44 team in Cardiff, and co-owner Owen Morgan shared the background behind the family’s passion for Spanish culture and cuisine before we enjoyed an amazing 3-course meal. It was captivating hearing about his early experiences growing up in Wigna and the immense intelligence his mother had in encouraging him to learn about Rugby Union as well as league. We also heard how he works closely and individually with the likes of Romaiun Ntamack and Antonie Dupont and how he thrives under pressure both on and off the pitch. Thank you to Owen, Adam and the whole incredible team for the afternoon. We couldn’t have been looked after better.
Caption: ”Shaun welcoming host Owen Morgan of the 44Group and Speakeasy Life President Big Steve Clarke”
It was Friday night lights at Ystradgynlais RFC and it was safe to say that Shaun Was blown away by the set-up at the club. A superbly supported community club and over 160 people welcomed the great man to South Powys. An audience was blown away by tales of the mythical £35,000 signing on fee for Wigan as a 17year old, the challenges faced with his identity once he’d finished playing rugby league as well as plenty of inspiring memories of winning the Heineken Cup with London Wasps and plenty of Silverware with Wales over his 12-year term. A huge thank you to Emma for the brilliant buffet, to the whole team on the bar Saturday and to Gareth & Tristan for working with us on the event, really great to work with you and thanks so much for your kind welcome.
Caption: ”The right said Fred tribute act went down a storm at the end”
Saturday at Llanharan RFC: Following a big win for the 1st XV, Shaun gave an inspiring talk, sharing insights on young Andy Farrell, criticism from his father, and a memorable morning amplified by the priest at a local vale of Glamorgan church after a certain 2015 Twickenham victory.Super grateful to Andrew and the committee for welcoming us back and for supporting pulling the event together.
Caption: ”A superbly recreated moment from Shaun of the priest at the local church following THAT win against England in the 2015 World cup.”
Identity: Whether you’re a rugby player or a postman, your job doesn’t define you—you do. Shaun’s journey reminded us to hold onto that sense of self no matter what. His openness and honesty about how he felt he lost his identity when he retired from playing were relatable to many in the room.
Community: Shaun spoke about the powerful connection between the Welsh and Wiganers. There’s something special about belonging to a community—find your clubhouse and embrace it!
Thanks to the generosity of attendees, we raised vital funds to support mental health in sports and community rugby across South Wales. Shaun’s quiet kindness behind the scenes makes it clear why so many players would run through a brick wall for him.
If you’d like us to help support an event at your club, reach out at [email protected], and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on future events.
See you soon and speak easy – Simon & the Speakeasy Club Team
Title: Speakeasy Clubhouse Conversations LIVE, Sept 2024
Guest Speakers: Shaun Edwards & Joe Calzaghe
Venue: Asador44, Cardiff City Centre
Date: Sept 5th 2024
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We’re super excited to partner with @asador44 on a unique and immersive afternoon with two true legends of Welsh sport, @joe_calzaghe & Shaun Edwards. As a not-for-profit organisation, our mission is to put FREE mental health and well-being resources in every community sports club in the world.
One way to support that is by having fun, supportive and curious conversations with individuals. In a friendly and relaxed atmosphere at the award winning Asadaor44, Joe & Shaun will talk through their incredible careers on and off the field of play, sharing with us the good and the bad times, how they navigated the challenges and celebrating the success.
It’s sure to be a fascinating afternoon of insights, laughs heart-warming memories and maybe even a sing-song!
On the day, we’ll fundraise for two brilliant organisations, the world-leading rugby mental health charity @looseheadz & the @dra_community programme.
We have very limited places available for the afternoon so don’t delay and book your space today.
📅 Thursday 5th September 2024
📌 Asador44, Cardiff City Centre
🕰 1 pm to 5 pm
💷 £350 per head
Limited places are available so to secure your seat for this unique afternoon, contact [email protected]