Thru The Lens, a new photography gallery in Hay-on-Wyne launches it’s next exhibition on the evening of Friday 17 January at 6pm. Men Open Up will present a selection of work by four photographers - all presenting their own interpretation of male mental health.

“My brother Stan never spoke about his mental illness, he covered it up, and three years ago he took his own life. My hope with this new exhibition is that it might, in some small way, encourage men to open up and talk about their mental health, to their mates and their families, to seek therapy from the many different types that are out there, and to find peace and calm through creativity (including photography!).”

— Billie Charity

Billie Charity

Bille has photographed eight local men of all ages who have opened up to her and shared their own stories of their struggles.

Clive Oxford

Hereford-based psychotherapist and photographer Clive Oxford will be showing images of the anonymised clinical notes he has made when providing therapy for some of his male clients.

Glenn Dene

Abergavenny-based photographer Glenn Dene will be exhibition a selection of self-portraits made while recovering from a personal breakdown.

Darren Russell

London-based photographer Darren Russell, who worked with Stan Charity, has provided images from a touring exhibition titled ‘My Mate’ - motivated by Stan’s story.