A LEIGH tattooist is joining forces with more than a hundred tattoo parlours today in support of mental health and suicide awareness.

Opening up a hybrid tattoo and semi-permanent makeup venue last August, Chris Minshall and his partner Lauren King have been growing the reputation of 'Religion Studio' on Leigh Road.

As tattoo parlours can often be male-dominated and macho spaces, Chris has tried to create a family-friendly and welcoming environment in the town centre, where people can open up and chat about anything while getting some ink.

Chris said he has also suffered with his mental health in the past, so has joined 'Religion' up with the 'Semicolon Tattoo Project' that is taking place today (Wednesday, April 5).

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Leigh Journal: An example of the semi colon tattooAn example of the semi colon tattoo (Image: The Semicolon Tattoo Project)

Originally started by suicide survivor Amy Bleuelin America in 2013, the semicolon movement encourages people to get tattooed with a semicolon symbol to spread awareness of mental health issues and empower people who are struggling with their own mental health.

The tattoos highlight the continuation of life, rather than its end, and can serve as a reminder of the power of positive thinking.

In the UK, the Suicide Awareness and Prevention organisation set up the Semicolon Tattoo Project in 2019, with hundreds of tattoo studios joining in and thousands of semicolons being tattooed across the country.

Leigh Journal: An example of Chris' designsAn example of Chris' designs (Image: Chris Minshall)

Chris said: "I often do lots of semicolon tattoos throughout the year, and we had really good feedback when I took part in the event at another studio last year. 

"It's great because [the semicolon] lets people know you're willing to talk and it means something different to everyone else.

"It really gets people talking and it gives people the opportunity to segway into being able to talk about their story or mental health."

Leigh Journal: Lauren and Chris outside Religion Studio on Leigh RoadLauren and Chris outside Religion Studio on Leigh Road (Image: Lauren King)

After taking the leap to open up a hybrid tattoo and make-up studio with Lauren, Chris said that business has been "great" since moving into the unit on Leigh Road.

Although the winter months have been quieter for Chris on the ground floor, he said that he has been growing his clientele and reputation as a trusted tattooist in the town.

To find out more about The Semicolon Tattoo Project, you can visit this link.