A Wigan publisher launches a community book project exploring modern masculinity
Encouraging Wigan men to speak out about their emotions and health lies at the heart of a new local literary mission
A new book project, called It's O'reet Not To Be O'reet, is exploring what it means to be a man in Wigan today.
Involving Maddison House Press, poet Tom Stocks and Wigan Manbassadors, it aims to create a powerful collection of real-life stories from men across the borough, shining a light on the experiences, challenges and moments that shape men's lives.
Stories are currently being gathered, with the book set to be published in March.
Out of the one in eight men that report experiencing mental health issues in the UK, 40 per cent say they don’t feel comfortable talking about it with their family, friends or a healthcare professional.
The project is co-ordinated by Tom, also known as The Chubby Northerner.
He is an award-winning performer, community artist and playwright.
Tom has published two collections of poetry and performed on BT Sport to open the UEFA Champions League Final.
He writes about everything from mental health and body positivity to his love for B&M and the importance of “binfluencers.”
It's O'reet Not To Be O'reet will explore themes including work, relationships, health, happiness, identity and the pressures facing men in modern society.
The initiative has been developed in partnership with Wigan Manbassadors, whose work champions positive conversations around men's wellbeing and mental health across the borough.
People who would like to contribute can share their experiences through Man Mail letterboxes located in libraries across Wigan, Leigh, Aspull, Tyldesley, Marsh Green and Standish.
Contributions can be submitted until the end of 2026.
Alongside the Man Mail letterboxes, people can get involved through creative workshops, which are facilitated by Tom.
So far he’s delivered sessions with organisations including my:ND Space CIC, The Brick, Fred Longworth High School and Down to Earth Wigan, using poetry and storytelling to help people explore their experiences and connect with others.
Tom said: "Every man has a story worth telling, but many don't feel they have the space or permission to share it.
“This project is about creating that space.
“We want to celebrate the realities of men's lives in Wigan, the good days and the difficult ones, and show that it's more than alright to talk about how you're really feeling."
Submissions are open until the end of 2026, with the finished book launching in March 2027 with Maddison House Press, a publisher of non-fiction and poetry books. For more information visit maddisonhousepress.co.uk