“Men are notorious for not liking to dance but this is an opportunity, they don’t need to be embarrassed,” said Tim, one member of Kemp’s Men, an all-men Morris Dancing group in Norwich.
According to the charity Mind, the number of men experiencing suicidal thoughts has doubled since 2009.
Tim continued, “There was one chap, his doctor had suggested he take up Morris Dancing because he was suffering from depression, he said it would lift his mood and he found it did, so he kept dancing”
All members at Kemp’s Men said the key part about it was the community and comradery the group creates, including their youngest member Herbert Cousins.
Cousins said, “There’s a big social side and you never feel nervous going along, everyone’s just very very friendly.”
Being part of a group helps you feel a sense of belonging and aids in your personal growth claims Anxious Minds, a mental health charity.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK according to Physique Academy.
Tim said, groups like these are a great way to “always lift your spirits”.
For David Ball, bagman of Kemp’s Men of Norwich, “It’s important that we keep that tradition going.
“It’s not about ‘English-ism’ or nationalism or anything like that it’s about something special to us”
Lesley Shipgood, assistant to the bagman agrees, saying Morris Dancing is “embracing the fact that we are living in a world now that has slightly different expectations”.
For her, “The main thing I think is just to get young people involved in it and enjoying it”.
When asked is it good for mental health she said, “absolutely”.
She said, “It’s more interesting than just running around a course” and “it adds music and the socialisation side of it”.
“You can join in and have fun, it doesn’t have to be perfect”
Lesley Shipgood, Assistant to the Bagman
For most of the members this group is a great evening to look forward to and learn new skills to be ready for the summer where they perform a lot in pubs, at the city center and on May Day.
For David, “The bottom line is we are enjoying ourselves.”
This traditional medium can be seen to still be relevant today with the enjoyment it creates and sense of community helping modern problems.
