Hampshire’s largest mental health charity, Solent Mind, and nationally acclaimed Southampton based company, ZoieLogic Dance Theatre, has teamed up to raise awareness of men’s mental health, with a new two-year partnership.
With research revealing that one in three men will face isolation and loneliness in their life, the partnership is part of both organisations’ aim to provide support and opportunities for men to talk, move, get active and dance for positive mental health.
Solent Mind and ZoieLogic Dance Theatre will collaborate on delivering joint activities in the former’s Mayfield Hub, and aid in establishing new activities for men to get involved within the Weston and Mayfield area.
Solent Mind will also deliver training to ZoieLogic’s workforce and volunteers in mental health awareness ,as well as act as a delivery support partnership for activities where possible – including providing a member of the charity’s team to support participant sessions.
Meanwhile, ZoieLogic Dance Theatre will help with increasing male participation and engagement in Solent Mind’s services and work jointly to advocate for improved provisions locally.
Solent Mind and ZoieLogic Dance Theatre will also collaborate on funding applications, with joint efforts to raise funds supporting the endeavours of both organisations.
The partnership will culminate in a Southampton-wide event in Spring 2026, titled The Big Movement, where hundreds of men will dance in solidarity to draw attention to men’s mental health.
Sally Arscott, CEO of Solent Mind, says: “In England, around one in eight men have a common mental health problem, but they’re much less likely to discuss or seek help when they’re feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed.
“At the same time, we know how participating in sports and exercising positively benefits men’s mental health, and fosters a sense of community and socialisation which encourages them to engage with others and express how they’re feeling.
“We’re proud to be partnering with ZoieLogic Dance Theatre to provide more opportunities for men to move more for positive mental health, and take another step towards a world where anyone who is experiencing a mental health problem has access to the support they need.”
Zoie Golding, MBE – Artistic Director of ZoieLogic Dance Theatre, adds: “We’re proud to partner with Solent Mind, marking a significant stride in our mission to amplify the impact of dance on men’s mental health and well-being. Collaborating on this long-term project empowers us to tackle the pressing challenges confronting men in today’s society.”
The partnership between Solent Mind and ZoieLogic Dance Theatre follows on the heels of the launch of the mental health charity’s new Thrive Inside campaign, which aims to help more people incorporate daily habits and routines into their everyday life to take care of themselves from the inside out.
As part of the campaign, Solent Mind is sharing tips, advice and services to promote good mental health throughout May, with movement being a key focus area of the campaign.
For more information about Solent Mind and mental health support in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, visit solentmind.org.uk.
To learn more about Solent Mind’s new Thrive Inside campaign, visit: www.solentmind.org.uk/support-us/thrive-inside/
For more information about ZoieLogic Dance Theatre please visit zoielogic.co.uk.
If you believe men’s mental health is a big deal and want to hear updates about the project, you can join The Big Movement waiting list here: zoielogic.co.uk/move.
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