A PIONEERING chess club with a twist, championed by a former social worker, is aiming to ‘save the lives’ of local men.
Connor Brookes’ life experiences have put him in the perfect position to champion his innovative chess club, ‘Check Mates Barnsley’.
Having worked in adult social care for the last decade, Connor has extensive experience working with anyone from vulnerable men and women to people with learning difficulties.
The 30-year-old got inspired to create the group after getting tired of ‘checking boxes’ and wanting to make a real difference instead.
Open to men aged 18-plus, the informal drop-in sessions are every Wednesday, at 6.30pm and accommodating of all abilities, with equipment supplied.
Although a concrete location hasn’t been confirmed yet, Check Mates are currently seeking venues without bar facilities to support their sober members.
The club aims to tackle isolation, mental health challenges, relationship breakdowns and a loss of identity in the community.
Created to be a safe space for men, the club matches up sets of two strangers for a game of chess, with an interesting reason as to why.
Connor explained that the game is uniquely positioned to forge strong bonds between men and open the door to important conversations.
Unlike other games like darts or pool, chess sits players directly across from each other.
Additionally, the game has the power to re-ignite key childhood memories.
Chess offers two important pathways, connecting players to being taught the game by family or accepting help to learn new skills.
This can bring forward a sense of identity, belonging and a sense of who club members once were.
Check Mates Barnsley’s relaxed environment only has one rule - to finish every game.
Other than that, the environment has been designed to be as calming and pressure free as possible.
This encourages local men to engage with each other socially, while having the opportunity to share their struggles.
Connor said: “Check Mates is a simple concept but one grounded in real observation.
“Men may not always ask for help, but they will sit down for a game.
“I went to an Andy’s Man Club meeting and out of 28 people, eight had tried to commit suicide at some point in the last three months.
“For me, I wasn’t at that stage, I was just feeling overwhelmed.
“When I got to the car I cried my eyes out, I didn’t think this many men were struggling.
“The whole point of the club is that chess is a tool.
“It’s about being accountable and showing up.
“This sort of thing will help keep men accountable if they go out and dabble in other things.
“It’s happened before where I’ll sit down and play a game and half way through I’ll ask them what’s going on.
“There’s even been times where men have cried during games.
“It’s only just starting out, but the idea is to eventually turn it into something where there’s a club for everyone.
“I’m even eventually looking to integrate it into being a homeless shelter for men and have it all revolving around chess.”
To get in touch or for more information, see Check Mates Barnsley on Facebook, or email checkmatesbarnsley@gmail.com.
