The artist behind a new city centre mural about mental health said it was his "privilege" to work with local men's groups to influence his latest artwork.

At the start of October, Someone, by artist Mark Titchner, was installed in Exchange Square on a wall of the former Forum building.

Officially launched on Friday (30 October), the artwork was designed to inspire conversations about mental health.

It is part of a wider borough arts project called Breaking the Stigma, led by Cheshire West and Chester Council, in response to the fact that across the UK, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.

Proposals for the design were submitted in July, replacing How to Work Better, a project created in 2023 as part of a major visual arts event.

Accompanying information is displayed nearby, explaining the background and context of the artwork and including a QR code linking directly to information about different services and groups offering crisis support.

Mark, a Turner Prize-nominated artist, has worked with men's groups in the borough to coproduce the wording and concept, basing the text on conversations about care and connection.

During a speech at the launch event, he said: "Since the summer of 2025, it has been my privilege to meet with men and men's groups in Cheshire West and Chester, hear their stories and experiences, and share ideas about how art could highlight urgent issues around men's mental health and contribute to greater public awareness.

"I have been struck by the generosity and openness of the people I have worked with, and the experience has been both inspiring and humbling.

"What is clear is that these issues affect people from all backgrounds and walks of life and that small, caring interactions can make a significant difference to those experiencing difficulties."

Jim from Chester FC, one of the men who worked with Mark, said the football club have a role to play in helping to "break down the stigma" around men's mental health and suicide.

He added: "We know that many of our supporters, and people across our community, will have their own experiences of mental health challenges.

"We want men in Chester, and beyond, to talk about how they're feeling, ask for help when they need it and look out for each other.

"Having this artwork in a prominent public space is a great way to get the message out there, by encouraging people to stop, think and start conversations, and remind men that support is always available".

Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Margaret Parker, described the artwork as an "important project".

"If this artwork helps even one person start a conversation or reach out for help when they need it, then it will have made a real difference," she added.

The project has been championed by Cllr Lisa Denson, who said the rates of male suicide within the borough had identified a need to "take a different approach to encouraging men to reach out".

She said: "The aim of the campaign is to remove the stigma of asking for help and encourage all of us to keep an eye out for each other.

"A conversation can save someone's life. We can all be that 'Someone' referred to here."

Bookmarks featuring Someone are also available in neighbouring businesses, with information about support on the reverse.

If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, visit here and click on 'mental health help' or call 111 and select the mental health option.

For more information about local and national services can be found here.

Free suicide awareness training is also available for individuals and organisations. This teaches people the skills and confidence to have a potentially life-saving conversation with someone they are worried about.