The Fifth Chair Project

The Fifth Chair represents the conversation that many people are afraid to have. In most gatherings there is always a chair that remains empty — the place where the man who is struggling sits in silence, unable to speak about what he is carrying.

The Fifth Chair Project exists to make space for that conversation.

Through seminars, awareness sessions and community discussions, BarbershopChats10 CIC creates safe, respectful and non-judgemental environments where men can speak openly about mental health, emotional wellbeing, loneliness, suicide awareness and related personal challenges.

What We Do

BoarbershopChats10 CIC delivers seminars, workshops and community discussions on the following topics:

  • Understanding mental health and emotional wellbeing

  • Suicide awareness, prevention and early intervention

  • Loneliness, isolation and social disconnection amongst men

  • The battle for the mind: understanding negative thinking patterns

  • Addiction, compulsive behaviours and their impact on mental wellbeing

  • Recognising warning signs and encouraging earlier help-seeking

  • Faith, purpose, hope and personal restoration

What People Say

"Richard delivers suicide prevention awareness in a way that is both practical and deeply personal. His sessions helped untrained people better understand the signs to look for in individuals who may be struggling with their mental health or considering taking their own life. What stood out most was his ability to speak to every individual in the room."

Pastor Richard Hylton-Mais Renewed Life Community Church (Apostolic) Worksop, UK

Our Impact

Between 2020 and 2025, BarbershopChats10 CIC delivered seminars, awareness sessions and community discussions across more than 20 organisations, conferences and public-facing settings.

Delivery has taken place across community, faith-based and public-facing environments, including:

  • Men's mental health seminars in London and Birmingham

  • Suicide prevention sessions in Nottinghamshire and Worksop

  • Loneliness conferences in London

  • Pornography addiction awareness seminars

  • Guest speaker appearances at regional men's conferences hosted by the New Testament Church of God

  • Media engagement including articles in Prodigals Return Magazine USA and the Love in Action Podcast