There are several significant research studies providing evidence of the therapeutic benefits of textile craft processes to health and wellbeing, however they often focus primarily on women, whilst the male suicide rate in the UK is three times higher than in women. 

Using community-based practice in the form of an all-male textile craft group called ManCraft at a Leicester-based arts organisation, Charnwood Arts, I aim to extend our understanding of the value of textile making in relation to mental wellbeing and to increase knowledge and understanding of the role of the arts worker/facilitator within community-based art practices.  

Before commencing the PhD, I was enrolled on the Art in the Public Sphere MA at Loughborough University. I did this part-time whilst also working part-time for Loughborough Students' Union (in the art shop) and volunteering at Charnwood Arts. The decision to undertake a PhD in my area came out of my MA practice. I worked closely with members of Charnwood Arts’ RawArt, a fine art group for adults with long-term and enduring mental health illnesses. I ran several textile workshops and the feedback I gained from participants sparked an interest in the potential wellbeing benefits of textile craft processes.