Moorhouse’s brewery and Burnley-based mental health organisation Six Connections have united to launch Ask Twice, a beer designed to encourage conversations about mental health.

This initiative pays tribute to the memory of those lost to mental health battles and aims to break the silence and stigma by starting the conversation early, well before it gets to that crisis point.

Founded by Dave Scholes after the loss of his best friend to suicide, Six Connections has grown into a movement that champions the power of conversation. It is an organisation that extends beyond traditional well-being support, fostering a culture whereby lifesaving “real talk” about mental health happens naturally, in relatable spaces, with people who know you best.

Scholes said: “Ask Twice is more than just a beer. It’s a conversation starter, encouraging people to talk about how they are feeling, in the good times as well as the not so good. We all know we need these conversations from time to time, but often don’t start them.

“Encouraging supportive chat in normal places like the pub, allows everyone to feel more comfortable and support their mates. These conversations will save lives.”

“With the backing of Moorhouse’s brewery, we are taking our #PoweredByMates message into bars and homes. A trusted product carrying a vital message seems like the perfect connection to us.”

Moorhouse’s MD Lee Williams said: “We know these conversations can start anywhere, including over a beer, and with Dave’s drive to empower people to get talking, this was just such a natural fit. It’s all about raising awareness and if just one person is helped through this partnership, it will have been worthwhile.”

Ask Twice is a modern 3.8 per cent ABV bitter with a rich amber hue and a taste profile featuring tangy pink grapefruit, dried fruits plus sweet caramel malt.

The beer will be available nationally as part of the Wetherspoon Spring Beer Festival from 6-17 March. The beer will also be at the Lancaster Beer Festival from 7-9 March.