Lancaster charity shortlisted for £10k boost as part of national project to prevent suicide in men

Lancaster Men’s Hub has made the list to receive money via the Suicide Prevention Grant Fund 2023-25.

The hub has been provisionally awarded £9950 to undertake a project called Upping Our Game. Its aim is to become more proactive in reaching out to men in groups identified as at a higher risk of suicide so that they can benefit from the safe, welcoming and supportive environment of the hub.

To achieve this, the project team will seek to build partnerships with other organisations that specialise in meeting the needs of those whose circumstances may lead them to consider suicide.

Lancaster Men’s Hub aims to combat loneliness and isolation amongst all men in Lancaster and surrounding areas by providing activities for men to do together.

It is based on the global Men’s Shed model of helping men build friendships and mutual support as they undertake activities ‘shoulder to shoulder’.

The Lancaster Men’s Hub takes this idea further by offering a wider range of activities to suit more men. Their motto is ‘Wellbeing through doing’ and current activities include woodworking, games evenings, walking football, writing group, country walks, knitting and running an allotment.

The Upping Our Game project funding will enable further activities to be developed as a result of the outreach, and based on the interests of members including model-making, arts and crafts, and other creative activities.

Chair of Trustees, David Mace, said: “We are an organisation entirely run by volunteers. This grant, along with the massive time contribution of our volunteers, will enable us to make the benefits of the men’s hub accessible to more men and will improve our ability to signpost to specialist help those in particular need.”

About the Suicide Prevention Grant Fund

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) made available a £10 million grant fund to support suicide prevention activities delivered in England by voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in 2023 to 2025.

Applications were open from August 25 to October 1 2023. A total of 79 organisations have been provisionally successful, subject to finalisation of the grant agreement.