A Moment Of Connection

09/09/2026

We hope you can make it along to one of these events.

World Su***de Prevention Day is an annual reminder that there is an alternative to su***de, and it aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us. That our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.

08/09/2026

We are releasing a compilation album as part of A Moment of Connection and are looking for tracks from artists based or connected to Cumbria.

Tracks need to be on the themes of 'connection and hope'

We will release the album in November/December 2026 and all money raised will go towards bring the project work to Cooke's Studio Barrow, The Beacon Whitehaven and Tullie Carlisle in 2027.

The project has been working with men in Cumbria who have lived experience of suicidal thoughts but have found hope and chosen to live. Follow us on social media to find out more about the project.

To get involved or find out more email [email protected] or message us here.

08/09/2026

Phil and Larry had a great time hanging out at the Mind in Furness allotment last week. They are doing a brilliant job on Walney growing some amazing fruit and veg, while helping people improve their mental health.

We are so grateful to Mind in Furness for partnering up with us on the Barrow end of the project with some exciting news hopefully coming soon!

AMOC is an arts project by Every Life Matters funded by Arts Council England, Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumbria Community Foundation and Barrow Town Council

If you are a man with lived experience of suicidal thoughts and want to get involved please email [email protected] for details

08/09/2026

A message from ELM as we approach World Su***de Prevention Day

05/09/2026

Our next drop in sessions are both focused on writing sound for art installations. Join Shaun and Ian in exploring the use of sound in installations and contribute your ideas. Sessions are informal and come for as long a time as you want between 2pm and 7pm on either day.

Bring an instrument or come play with a bunch of instruments and pedals. If you have poetry, prose or want to sing we will welcome your input.

Everything will be recorded and might be used in exhibitions in Barrow, Whitehaven and Carlisle in early 2027.

A Moment of Connection Barrow drop-in session September 14 September at FON

A Moment of Connection Copeland drop-in session September 16 September at Soundwave Cumbria

A moment of Connection is a Every Life Matters arts project funded by Arts Council England, Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumbria Community Foundation, Barrow Town Council

22/08/2026

One of the goals of A Moment of Connection is to take portrait shots of men that have found those reasons to live and are happy to talk about it to our artists.

Here’s some examples of the first shoot with Phil.

If you would like to share your story with us and have some professional portraits done contract us here or email [email protected]

Every Life Matters Arts Council England Cumberland Council Cumbria Community Foundation Westmorland and Furness Council Barrow Town Council

Next session is A Moment of Connection Barrow drop-in session August on Monday

20/08/2026

A fantastic day in Appleby working with Ian Snr and Ian Jr. we talked exercise, music, motorbikes and birds with them.

Many thanks to them for sharing their stories with us today and to the staff at the leisure centre for making us feel welcome.

Every Life Matters
Arts Council England

13/08/2026

We have a fantastic feature in the Curated Cumbria newsletter this week. Well worth a read and subscribing to get further cultural news about what’s happening locally

https://preview.mailerlite.com/o2n2s1m4q8/3074257835643639305/o4m2/

Every Life Matters
Arts Council England
Cumberland Council
Cumbria Community Foundation
Westmorland and Furness Council
Barrow Town Council