New funding supports men's mental health projects across North Yorkshire
23 initiatives to enhance mental wellbeing opportunities for men
Fresh funding from the Mayor’s men’s mental health fund is set to create new opportunities across York and North Yorkshire, facilitating activities designed to support men’s wellbeing. Over £616,000 has been allocated to 23 projects aimed at enhancing men’s mental health support in both community and workplace settings.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said: “The biggest killer of men under 50 is suicide; that should stop us all in our tracks. After my dad died, I went through my own mental health challenges... There are too many men in York and North Yorkshire with nowhere or no one to turn to. The 23 projects we’re funding today are helping to change that.”
The funded projects span the region and include Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind’s wellbeing programme for neurodivergent boys aged 11–16, The Common Ground Project offering bushcraft-led mental health support, five Men’s Pie Clubs promoting connection through pie-making, and peer-to-peer support tailored for men in farming.
PAPYRUS, among the organisations benefiting from new funding, plans to enhance efforts in rural areas. James Parkes, Area Manager for England North, said: “We know that men and boys living in often isolated rural communities, particularly those engaged in farming or other agricultural trades, are at increased risk of suicide.
“Tragically around three agricultural workers take their own lives every week in the UK, and we will use the generous funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to target and engage locally with the most vulnerable.
“PAPYRUS will work across the area at grassroots level, increasing our visibility at agricultural shows, auction marts and community events. We will build connections, help to reduce the stigma around suicide, increase help-seeking and spread greater awareness of the lifesaving help and support which is available.
“We believe suicide is everyone’s business. We will reach out to offer training and talks tailored to specific need, share resources and equip people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.
“Together we will help to make our communities across York and North Yorkshire suicide safe.”
Where to get help
If you, or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can speak to your GP. If someone's life is in danger - call 999 immediately.
You can also find help and advice from these services:
Hub of Hope - https://hubofhope.co.uk
Samaritans – Call 116123 - https://www.samaritans.org
Mind - 0300 123 3393 - https://www.mind.org.uk