A Barnsley-based mental health charity plans to use major investment to combat loneliness and build a sense of community in the local area.

The community Interest Company (CIC) Suicide Sucks, already hosts a silent disco social event every Tuesday at Birdwell Community Centre in Barnsley.

Now, thanks to a £7,000 grant from Sport England, it can offer more free places to people who attend.

Mick Rowe, who founded the CIC, has seen the positive impact music can have when people are struggling. She has seen people leaving the discos “feeling free, uplifted, and even emotional, some have said music has been their saviour at times in their life, and these sessions bring that feeling back.”

Mrs Rowe urged people to come and take part in the sessions, as they offer a less traditional approach to fitness, by using music, movement and connection to support mental health and wellbeing.

She said: “People can come along, put the headphones on, and just lose themselves in the music for an hour.

“There’s no pressure, people move at their own pace, whether that’s dancing, sitting, or just enjoying the music.”

A reel from Suicide Sucks showing the Silent Stompers disco sessions

The charity also aims to make their events as accessible as possible, as they feel not everyone fits into the mold of traditional exercise or social spaces.

Mrs Rowe said: “These sessions are accessible to anyone, even if you’re less mobile, you can take part from a chair or wheelchair.

“We’ve also had people with autism join in, and the headphones help create a comfortable, personal space while still being part of a group.”

Even though people are listening to music individually by being in the same space Mrs Rowe feels that “it creates a real sense of connection and community”.

Mrs Rowe is happy the Sport England grant will mean more people can attend the events, as while the CIC tries to keep costs low, some people are unable to afford the cost of the sessions..

“I felt a mix of excitement, relief, and validation,” she said, “More than anything, it means I can now offer these sessions for free, which removes a huge barrier for people.”

Find out more here and book a session here.