A National Lottery grant of £20,000 has ensured our Men’s Group in the New Forest can continue providing mental health support for men in the community.

The Men’s Group was introduced at the charity’s New Forest wellbeing centres in 2018, to offer men a safe and supportive space to explore strategies for managing their mental health. But with widespread council funding cuts across Hampshire, the future of the group was looking uncertain.

The grant received from the National Lottery Community Fund means that the service, which has proven popular and highly impactful for the local community, can carry on supporting those in need.

Ian Stiff, Chief Operating Officer at Solent Mind, said: “Supporting men’s mental health is crucial as they often face societal pressure and stigmas that discourage them from seeking help.

“This funding means our service can not only continue but we’ll also be able to explore more activities to further enhance our offering. We are extremely grateful for the National Lottery’s support.”

The New Forest’s rural nature can cause significant isolation and deprivation, with a 2022 ONS report citing that 34.3% of households are deprived in at least one category. And, with only 32% of Solent Mind’s New Forest centre referrals identifying themselves as male, it seems men are either unaware of the service or feel unable to access it due to stigma or lack of resource.

Elizabeth White-Ripley, Head of Community Services in Hampshire, added: “Our Men’s Group is run weekly at both our Hythe and New Milton centres. Men from across the district can learn techniques to improve their mental health or can progress onto one of our educational courses. This is done through workshops as well as through creative or social activities, such as art, woodwork, music, and cooking.”

The £20,000 of funding was granted to Solent Mind’s New Forest wellbeing service by The National Lottery Community Fund, which funds projects and activities up and down the country.

Solent Mind’s New Forest Men’s Group is held at the charity’s Marcella House in Hythe and at The Hollies in New Milton.

For more information about mental health support in the area, visit: New Forest Wellbeing Centres | Mental health and emotional wellbeing recovery centres in Hythe and New Milton, New Forest Hampshire.