Skip to main content

Speakeasy Club – the events company that gives back to local communities.

Penarth local, Simon Clarke, has launched Speakeasy Club, an events company encouraging meaningful talk and connection after a tough two years. The company will also be donating experiences to those who might not otherwise have such opportunities.

Following his own mental health challenges, Speakeasy Club was set up by Simon as an events company with a difference. While it will organise corporate events of all sizes, Simon and his team will be encouraging guests to talk more and champion each other. For each event booked with Speakeasy, Simon will donate an experience to a young person needing a boost via one of his registered charities, starting in 2022 with mind, Princess Trust in Wales, and Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme.

Simon said: “I love putting on events for companies and groups, but I’ve come to realise that behind the smiles and pleasantries, people can still be having a rough time. I have first-hand experience,having been diagnosed with depression and severe anxiety in early 2021. Whilst regularly crying for no reason, constantly feeling tired with a complete lack of focus, I knew I had to talk to someone, and I want my events to provide those moments for attendees, while being fun at the same time.

Simon acknowledges how hard that first step could be and encourages anyone who has confusing thoughts in their head to reach out to someone they trust, say them out loud, and things will get better from there.

Simon went on to say “I am also extremely passionate about providing happy moments and experiences that most of us take for granted. We run an initiative that simply provides opportunities for local charities when you book an event with us. It won’t cost those booking with us any extra, but you can be reassured that your money is going much further when you choose us for your event.The ‘’buy 1 sponsor 1’’ initiative allows organisationsto buy places at our events and sponsor young people from our charitiesto utilise them, giving them that unique experience. Similarly, organisationscan sponsor the monetary equivalentand as the pot builds, we will arrange a unique experiencefor that charityon the company’sbehalf”.

With today (February 3rd) being ‘time to talk day’, driven by the charity Mind, I ask that everyonere thinks mental illness. I was fortunate to have been able to reach out to a close support network but I’m aware this isn’t always the case. I’m determined to create a culture where being authentic and inquisitive is the norm, and that asking questions isn’t viewed in the negative. This way we can all support each other with any challenges we may have and leave a positive legacy for future generations.

Whether it be a sporting event, a wine tasting or a readingretreat, Speakeasy Club can take the stress away and organise it all for you.