Our extensive market research revealed that men in our area were particularly vulnerable to these issues. We met with existing men’s groups, promoted our initiative through word of mouth, social media, and flyers, and realized that having ambassadors for our projects was crucial for success. This led us to apply to the Elevate Programme to develop a men’s shed for the Belfast interface area.
Our project aimed to create a safe, supportive, and positive space for men from both sides of the peace wall to come together, build relationships, and engage in various activities. The men’s shed included:
• Activities: Woodworking, craft projects, creative activities, fishing, walking, hobbies, games, book club.
• Support Services: Practical skills training, information on men’s health and wellness, mental health, loneliness, isolation, and addictions.
• Outreach: Collaborating with Springwell House, a nearby men’s hostel, to invite men in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction to join and partner with us.
Our goal was to create an inclusive environment where men could feel connected and supported, addressing their health and social needs effectively.
The impact of our Elevate project has been profound and multifaceted:
• Enhanced Community Engagement: The men’s groups connected with us, increasing their knowledge, networks, and capacity. This connection also elevated the profile of other Forthspring groups within the community.
• Increased Participation: Our project attracted participants who had never been involved with Forthspring before, helping them feel welcome and part of the community.
• Improved Mental Health and Wellbeing: By providing a space for men to engage in meaningful activities and build relationships, we addressed issues of loneliness and isolation, improving overall mental health and wellbeing.
The Elevate mentoring programme was transformative for us. It dispelled many myths around community development, making it more accessible and understandable. The inspiring stories and practical advice boosted our confidence, fostered friendships, and established connections with other groups. This support was crucial in helping us tackle health inequalities and build a more cohesive community.
The learning and experiences from the Elevate Programme will continue to benefit us as we move forward with the project. We now have the confidence to see ourselves as integral to community development, with a deeper understanding of how to connect health issues with community building. Our future plans include:
