Check Mates is a community initiative launched by Connor Brookes at Billy’s Coffee Bar in Barnsley to provide men a space to discuss mental health while playing chess. The project, which emphasizes peer support over clinical intervention, aims to combat social isolation by connecting strangers through the game.
How Check Mates Uses Chess to Foster Conversation
Connor Brookes, a 30-year-old support worker in adult social care, created the initiative to encourage men to open up about their struggles. According to the BBC, Brookes has personal experience with the game, noting, “Chess is in my DNA.” He previously spent time playing with strangers in Barnsley town centre, finding that the game offered an authentic, unplugged way to bridge generational and social gaps. At the launch event, the coffee shop was filled with men paired off at tables, with conversation flowing alongside their matches.
The name “Connor” is of Irish origin, anglicised from the Gaelic word Conchobhar. It is traditionally interpreted as meaning “lover of hounds” or “lover of wolves,” reflecting historical Irish reverence for dogs as symbols of loyalty.
Why Peer-Led Initiatives Matter for Mental Health
The club is designed to be a supportive environment rather than a clinical one. Brookes serves as an advocate and provides signposting to professional services when necessary. He invited Grant Fieldsand from Barnsley Samaritans to the launch to highlight the importance of early intervention. Fieldsand stated that while the Samaritans have been in Barnsley for 52 years, they want to be present “at the first call, at the start of the journey,” rather than only during crises.
Participants have found the environment conducive to deeper connection. Leo Hague, 20, noted that the club encourages asking “deeper questions” to understand what others are truly struggling with. Joe Myers, 26, who is seven months sober, shared that he previously struggled to talk about his experiences with depression and suicide. For Myers, the club offers a vital opportunity to “talk to other lads” in a setting that feels safe and grounded.
What Is the Future of the Check Mates Initiative?
The success of the inaugural session has led Brookes to consider expanding the project. He hopes to grow the initiative organically and eventually introduce sessions specifically for women and children. Brookes also holds a personal goal for the club: he hopes his brother Blair, who is currently serving time in prison, will be able to join him for a game once he is released.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Check Mates a clinical mental health service? No. According to Brookes, it is a community club. He acts as an advocate and can signpost people toward professional resources, but the group is not clinical.
- Who can attend the sessions? The current initiative is focused on encouraging men to talk, though Brookes has expressed interest in expanding future sessions to include women and children.
- Does it cost anything to play? The initiative takes place in a coffee shop environment where men are encouraged to connect over chess boards and drinks.
If you are looking to support or join similar local wellbeing events, reach out to community organizations like the Samaritans to see how they are partnering with local initiatives to promote mental health advocacy.
Have you found a hobby that helps you connect with others? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more stories on community-led mental health support.
