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dpt.openup@nhs.net
Starting with something simple
Thread Brothers shows how something simple can make a real difference.
Many men experiencing loneliness or distress don’t engage with traditional services. They may not feel comfortable, or it may not feel relevant to them. Thread Brothers offers a different way in.
“Thread Brothers is about testing a different way of reaching men,” said Tobit. “By focusing on a practical activity, we can take the pressure away from talking directly about mental health, while still creating space for connection, confidence and support to grow naturally.”
By coming together to learn a practical skill, men are building confidence, forming connections and feeling part of something. There’s no pressure — just a shared activity and a space where people can be themselves.
Why this approach matters
Projects like this sit at the heart of what Open Up exists to do. By supporting ideas that sit outside traditional services, we can reach people earlier, remove barriers and create opportunities for connection that feel natural and accessible.
More than the activity
At its core, Thread Brothers isn’t about sewing. It’s about creating a space where people feel comfortable, valued and able to take that first step, often without even realising it.
And sometimes, that starts with something as simple as making a tote bag together.
