A hugely valued group that support men’s mental health have been honoured as “the heart of the community” at this year’s Bolton News Business Awards.

In a dimly lit room filled with applause and anticipation at the Toughsheet Stadium, Daniel Livesey couldn’t help but feel the weight of the moment. As he stepped onto the stage to collect the Heart of the Community Award on behalf of the Bolton Manbassadors, the sheer emotion resonated through the crowd. This award was not merely a trophy; it was a validation of the tireless efforts that the group has dedicated to addressing the often-overlooked realm of men’s mental health.

A Beacon of Support in Bolton

The Bolton Manbassadors project, spearheaded by Bolton at Home, has served as a pivotal initiative oriented toward cultivating awareness around men’s mental health issues. They have carved out a space where conversations can flourish—something particularly necessary in a society rife with underserved masculine mental health needs. Following the award ceremony, Mr. Livesey reflected on the importance of their mission, stating, “It means the world to be spreading the word that it’s OK not to be OK. There are people out there who care.”

Mr. Livesey’s words echoed the sentiments of many men in the community, who often grapple with feelings of isolation and stigma. According to a study by the Mental Health Foundation, men are 3.4 times more likely to take their own lives than women, highlighting a desperate need for initiatives like the Manbassadors. The project serves as a lifeline, empowering men to speak up and seek help.

An Innovative Approach to Mental Health

Bolton Manbassadors aim not only to support individual men but also to create a network of local organisations acting as advocates for men’s health. By harnessing the collective strengths of various entities in Bolton, they aim to foster an environment where every man feels seen and heard. As Dr. Sarah Thompson, a clinical psychologist and leading expert in men’s mental health, noted, “Community-led initiatives like this are crucial. They not only offer support but also challenge the cultural norms that discourage men from seeking help.”

Goals of the Bolton Manbassadors

• Raise awareness around men’s mental health issues.
• Encourage open dialogue on emotional struggles.
• Develop a network of local organisations focused on men’s health advocacy.
• Facilitate connections between men and support services.

Since its inception, the Bolton Manbassadors have engaged in grassroots outreach, inviting men from all walks of life to participate in community events designed to break the stigma surrounding mental health. From informal coffee mornings to structured workshops, these gatherings have created safe spaces for men to share their experiences.

Recognition and Impact

This year, the Bolton Manbassadors were honored at the Bolton News Business Awards alongside noteworthy competitors such as the Bolton Deaf Society and Stanmore Insurance Brokers Limited. All nominees were recognized for their substantial contributions to community well-being, yet it was the Manbassadors who ultimately claimed the award, a testament to their groundbreaking work in the field of mental health.

Data from Bolton at Home suggests that community awareness of mental health issues amongst men has skyrocketed as a result of the Manbassadors’ initiatives. Mr. Livesey’s remarks during the awards evening encapsulated the group’s ethos perfectly: “We are just ordinary men doing extraordinary things when it comes to mental health.”

The Road Ahead

Despite this recognition, the work is far from finished. According to a report by the Office for National Statistics, men aged 45 to 49 are the most vulnerable group, facing heightened levels of anxiety and depression—with many unaware of available resources. As the Bolton Manbassadors look to the future, they aim to broaden their reach, adapting their methods and initiatives to engage more men. They also endeavor to partner with healthcare systems and local government agencies to ensure that support is accessible to everyone.

“While we are immensely proud of this award, our true reward is witnessing men start to share their stories,” expressed Mr. Livesey, illuminating the pivotal transformation of mindset within the community. This journey of emotional openness is not merely a personal victory; it signifies a communal awakening that challenges the very fabric of traditional masculinity.

As we reflect on the achievements of the Bolton Manbassadors, it becomes evident that their work does not just contribute to individual well-being; it serves as an essential building block for a healthier, more compassionate community. In the words of Dr. Thompson, “True change begins when we dismantle silence and encourage vulnerability among men. The Bolton Manbassadors are leading the charge.”

In an age where mental health battles often remain invisible, the Bolton Manbassadors stand as a reminder that community, compassion, and courage can envelop even the most challenging conversations. As the night came to a close at the Toughsheet Stadium, the true victory was not just the award, but the collective understanding that a cultural shift in mental health awareness is both possible and essential.

Source: uk.news.yahoo.com