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
Speakeasy Benches #13 & #14 Sheffield Wednesday FC supported by Speakeasy Club
Speakeasy Benches #13 & #14 Sheffield Wednesday FC supported by Speakeasy Club
Sport has the power to positively change and save lives. Penarth-based Speakeasy Club is on a mission to put FREE wellbeing & Mental Health resources in every community sports venue in the world.
The power of conversations and sporting communities has led its founder to create the Speakeasy Bench, in a bid to inspire people to take time out and talk more.
Simon Clarke, Founder of Speakeasy Club said: ‘’Sport has given me so much throughout my whole life; when I was struggling with my own mental illness, the rugby club clubhouse was my safe space and almost a refuge from reality. We must make these places as accessible as possible for their communities and show the next generations the power of talking with each other. That’s what we aim to do through Speakeasy Club and why I want to see pink benches across Wales and beyond.”
Simon aims to see a pink bench in every community sports club in the world. Each bench has two QR codes. When you scan one of the QR codes it’ll take you straight to the online clubhouse where you’ll be able to access free mental health support and resources that can support you or your teammates. The idea is that they do all the work by collating the fantastic help that is out there, so it saves people time and energy.
Simon added’’ If I’d have had access to these resources at the places I was going to regularly, maybe I wouldn’t have found myself on the edge of a cliff on Barry Island’’.
One key aspect of the work Speakeasy Club are doing is helping people to find their ‘’Clubhouse’’. The place where they feel safe, and free from judgement and a place where they feel like they belong.
Despite being born and bred in Penarth, Simon has been a Sheffield Wednesday fan for over 30 years, and his clubhouse is their home ground of Hillsborough Stadium.
Simon said ‘’ I’ve supported Wednesday some 1993 and haven’t been able to shake them. For over 30 years with my father, I’ve travelled up and done the M1 regularly to watch the matches. During the darkest times of my depression and anxiety, watching Wednesday and wearing a hoody or a shirt was like my comfort blanket. It was the only thing that helped me at the time. Football is much more than just what happens on the pitch. ‘’
Speakeasy Club have partnered with the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme to deliver two benches – one at Jubilee Sports and Social Club and one at Hillsborough Stadium – and free mental health support to thousands of people.
Ben Winter, Deputy Head of Community says: ‘’ It’s a privilege to link with the Speakeasy Club initiative. Connecting SWFC with a charity that aims to provide vital support for people within our community. The benches donated to us are perfectly positioned to allow people to access the resources they might need, in a non-judgmental and private way. Supporting people’s mental health is extremely important to SWFC and this partnership will only improve our ability to do that.’’
Simon recently appeared on the popular Sheffield Wednesday fan’s favourite podcast The Wednesday Week, and spoke about the plans to support fellow fans by providing the benches.
Simon was joined on one of the pink benches outside Hillsborough stadium by regular podcast panellist and host, Stevie Spence
Stevie Spence, The Wednesday Week Podcast says: ‘’ I’m born and bred in the Sharrow area of Sheffield which is a predominantly (Sheffield) United area of the city. I started Supporting Wednesday with my sister back in the mid-1980s and haven’t looked back. The time I get to spend with my 10-year-old daughter each Saturday at the match means the world to me. Being part of the podcast is like having a second family at times and my clubhouse is very much that group of people and Hillsborough itself. Personally, and as a podcast, we’re delighted to support Speakeasy’s mission, and it aligns perfectly with the community work the podcast team has been doing recently. Wednesday is a huge part of thousands of people’s lives, so it’s exciting to provide more opportunities for likeminded people to look after each other’’
Having launched in Penarth, South Wales on World Mental Health Day in October 2023, there are currently 15 benches in place with over 400 QR codes scanned, with several more benches across the UK in the pipeline.
The aim to put a Speakeasy bench in every community sports club in the world is certainly a lofty one, but one Simon and the team at Speakeasy Club are committed to.
For further information on how you can sponsor or support Speakeasy Club’s mission at your venue, contact Simon at [email protected]
Speakeasy Classic Charity Golf Day
Title: Speakeasy Classic Charity Golf Day
Guest Speakers: Joe Ledley
Venue: Glamorganshire Golf Club
Date: Thursday August 22nd 2024
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- Breakfast on arrival
- 18 holes Texas Scramble
- Speakeasy welcome pack
- Live on course scoring with VPAR
- Longest drive & Nearest the pin competitions
- On course beverages
- Welcome back drink
- 2 course meal
- Clubhouse conversation with special sporting guests
- Charity Fundraising
- Charity Putting competition
As of 7th Augsut, We currently have 3 spaces left for teams and sponsorship opporunuties available proiced at £50 and £100 each .
If you’d like to get imvolved please contact Simon Clarke on [email protected]
Clubhouse Conversations Live...
Title: Clubhouse Conversations Live
Guest Speakers: Shaun Edwards
Venue: Llanharan Rugby Club
Date: Sept 7th 2024
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Speakeasy Club is delighted to partner with Llanharan RFC and welcome Rugby’s dual code behemoth, Shaun Edwards to the Clubhouse on Saturday 7th September.
Over 14 years representing hometown team Wigan in Rugby League, with over 450 appearances and over 270 tries. Shaun has 37 winners medals whilst playing in the league, was voted man of Steel in 1990 and in 2015 was the 25th inductee in the Rugby League Hall of fame. Shaun also had stints with London Broncos twice, Balmain Tigers in Sydney and Bradford Bulls.
After 10 years at Wasps working with a certain Warren Gatland, Shaun joined the Welsh National set-up and over 12 years commanded incredible respect on and off the pitch. As well as a place on the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour as defence coach, there were 6 Six Nations Championships, 3 Grand Slams and 2 World Cup Semi-Finals (and plenty of great memories!).
Shaun joined the French National set up, winning another Grand Slam in 2022, becoming the only coach to win multiple Grand Slams with 2 different Nations in 6 Nations’ history.
Hosted by Speakeasy Club and supported by Llanharan RFC, Shaun will reminisce on some tales from his career on and off the pitch. This will be followed by a Q&A including a deep dive into his time with Wales, Wigan & the Lions (and who knows, maybe a special World Cup story?!) as well as questions from the audience.
We will also be raising money for charity on the night – LooseHeadz – auctioning a signed France jersey, personalised to the winning bidder.
Event details:
630pm – VIP Meet & Greet
730pm to 9pm – Evenings conversations with Shaun & Q&A
Llanharan RFC, 16 & Over only.
Theatre-style seating.
Throughout the evening, we will be raising money for Looseheadz charity: https://looseheadz.co.uk/pages/about-us
As part of our commitment to being inquisitive, learning about others and ourselves. We’re both passionate & proud of our #shareyourshirt campaign.
On the night of the 7th September, we will be encouraging you to wear your favourite rugby shirt. It can be for any reason whatsoever. We want to start conversations with like-minded people, and find out about why that shirt and that team. The aim is to encourage people to learn something they didn’t know before, promoting curiosity and openness.
There will be a free drink on the night for anyone wearing a classic Shaun Edwards Wigan shirt!
We really look forward to welcoming you to the Clubhouse on the 7th of September, so sign up through the above link to secure your place!
Simon, the team at Speakeasy Club and Llanharan RFC
Wine tasting through sport with Ernie Els Wines
Title: Wine tasting through sport with Ernie Els Wines
Guest Speakers: Louis Strydom, Head Winemaker @ Ernie Els Wines
Venue: Online
Date: August 15th 2024
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We’re delighted to partner with Frontier Wines & Ernie Els Wines and excited to invite you to a FREE virtual wine-tasting evening with Louis Strydom, Head Winemaker at Ernie Els Wines dialling in LIVE from South Africa & in partnership with Frontier Fine wines
We will be tasting Ernie Els Big Easy Rose 2023 and Ernie Els Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2020.
Click here to order your wines from Frontier Wines and use the exclusive code EESPEAKEASY10 to receive 10% off.
Feel free to purchase both bottles we’ll be tasting or just one of them! You are also invited to join us to just listen and be part of the conversation too 🙂
This unique event is exactly 30 years since Ernie Els himself won his first major title at the US Open, and the week following the 2024 addition begins in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
This virtual evening will be hosted by Speakeasy Club and includes a live Clubhouse conversation AND tasting with the head winemaker at Ernie Els Wines, Louis Strydom.
📍Online
📆 Thursday 15th August
⏰ 7pm to 8pm GMT
💰 FREE (Wines sold separately)
You’ll have the chance to:
💬 Hear the Story behind @ernieelswines winery & Louis’ passion for wine
💬 Hear about the winemaking process in Stellenbosch
💬 Experience Louis talk through the “Big Easy” Cabernet Sauvignon Rose and the “Major Series” Cabernet Sauvignon.
💬 Ask questions and be curious about what goes into the wine 🍷 making process
💬 Access exclusive offers from Frontier Wines
💬 Enjoy these fantastic wines with friends
We hope you can join us on the night and look forward to seeing you enjoying these incredible wines.
For any queries regarding your wine orders, please contact [email protected]
For any queries about the event or logging into the event, please contact [email protected]
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]
Where's your clubhouse?
Where’s Your Clubhouse?
💬 “A clubhouse is more than a building. It’s a community.” 💬
Your clubhouse can be a place of camaraderie and connection, but it’s essential to ensure it’s a positive environment. Here’s how.
🔍 Build inclusivity – Encourage an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. This promotes a sense of belonging and respect.
👂 Encourage open conversations – Foster a culture where honest and vulnerable conversations are encouraged. This can help in building deeper connections.
🤝 Balance fun and respect – Enjoy the camaraderie and jokes, but ensure they don’t cross into disrespect. Everyone should feel comfortable and valued.
🔑 Promote well-being – Create a space that supports both physical and mental well-being. This includes providing resources and support for those in need.
Feeling disconnected from your clubhouse? That’s okay. Small changes can make a big difference in creating a positive environment.
Things to reflect on…
❓How inclusive is your clubhouse?
❓How can you encourage more open and honest conversations?
❓What steps can you take to promote well-being in your community?
We’d love to hear your experiences and insights 👇
Further Reading
For more on creating a positive clubhouse environment, check out this guide: Building Inclusive Clubhouses
Managing conflict - on & off the field
Managing Conflict – On and Off the Field
💬 “Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.” 💬
Conflict can arise in any environment, including sports. Here’s how to manage and resolve conflicts effectively.
🔍 Identify the issue – Understand the root cause of the conflict. This can help in addressing the real problem rather than just the symptoms.
👂 Communicate openly – Encourage open and honest communication. Let everyone involved express their views and feelings without interruption.
🤝 Find common ground – Look for areas of agreement and build from there. This helps in finding mutually acceptable solutions.
🔑 Stay calm and composed – Keeping your emotions in check can prevent the conflict from escalating. Approach the situation with a calm and rational mindset.
Feeling stressed about conflicts? That’s okay. Conflict resolution is a skill that can be developed with practice.
Things to reflect on…
❓What are common triggers of conflict in your environment?
❓How can you improve your communication skills?
❓What strategies can help in finding common ground?
We’d love to hear your experiences and tips 👇
Further Reading
For more on conflict resolution, check out this article: Managing Conflict in Teams
I’ve had some interesting conversations (and reflections!) over the last week about managing ego’s & internal conflict. Either at work or within your team or club. Reminded me of this from one of my sporting idols, Herb Brooks.
What tactics do you use to address this challenge?
Understanding Trauma
Understanding Trauma
💬 “Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.” 💬
Understanding trauma can help in healing and supporting others. Here’s a guide to recognizing and addressing trauma.
🔍 Recognize the signs – Trauma can manifest as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, or avoidance behaviors. Understanding these signs can help in seeking appropriate help.
👂 Seek professional help – Therapists trained in trauma can provide effective treatments such as EMDR or CBT. Professional support is crucial for recovery.
🤝 Create a safe environment – For those dealing with trauma, a safe and supportive environment is essential. This includes physical and emotional safety.
🔑 Educate yourself – Learning about trauma and its effects can help you understand what you or others are experiencing and how to cope with it.
Feeling overwhelmed by trauma? That’s okay. Healing is possible with the right support and resources.
Things to reflect on…
❓What are common signs of trauma you recognize in yourself or others?
❓How can you create a supportive environment?
❓What resources can help in understanding and healing from trauma?
We’d love to hear your experiences and insights 👇
Further Reading
For more on understanding trauma, check out this guide: Understanding Trauma