An Ipswich tattoo studio will once again tackle stigma and raise awareness with free inkings.

Lucky 13 Tattoo Studio in St Margaret’s Street is making a name for itself as the go-to studio for people wishing to mark significant moments in their lives.

In November, the studio gave away more than 200 tattoos to parents who had suffered baby loss. Queues of people snaked around the shop and down the road, with the team putting in a 13-hour day to make sure every person who arrived could honour their loss.

After the phenomenal success of Ipswich Town making the Premier League, the studio saw a huge rise in people wanting to commemorate the Blues’ historic win against Huddersfield Town, giving around 300 ITFC-themed tattoos in the days that followed.

Paul Stansby and Jamie Hart are the founders of Lucky 13 Tattoo Studio in Ipswich.Paul Stansby and Jamie Hart are the founders of Lucky 13 Tattoo Studio in Ipswich. (Image: Newsquest)

Now, the studio has announced that on Saturday, July 6, it will be giving free tattoos to people who have struggled with their mental health or know someone who has.

Jamie Hart co-owns the studio with Paul Standby.

Mr Hart explained that the idea came from one of their tattoo artists, Amy Peck. For Amy, and the rest of the team Mr Hart explained, mental health is a topic very close to her heart.

The tattoo studio opened its doors to the community last year too, giving free tattoos which honoured baby loss. Image: Charlotte BondThe tattoo studio opened its doors to the community last year too, giving free tattoos which honoured baby loss. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond) “We’ve all had people who have suffered with their mental health in our families,” he said.  

“Mental health is a massive deal, and a lot of people have suffered, especially after Covid.

“We just want to raise awareness and give someone something to help get them through it.”

The studio will be providing a sheet of around five tattoos to choose from, which will be tattooed free of charge.

These include the semi-colon, which represents the strength needed to overcome an internal struggle.

For the entire Saturday, three tattoo artists at the studio will be devoting themselves to walk-in appointments.

“Our goal is to keep working until everyone has their tattoos,” said Mr Hart.