At the heart of our work is a commitment to the older men of Gateshead, and thanks to the generous funding from The Pargiter Trust, we’ve been able to continue our men’s groups twice a week throughout 2024.
A Lifeline for Older Men
Our men's groups serve a diverse community of individuals who attend for various reasons, including bereavement, PTSD, loneliness, early-onset dementia, and mobility challenges. The groups create a safe, welcoming environment where each individual can find companionship, and enjoy a hot meal and a range of activities.
With £8,787 funding from The Pargiter Trust via the Community Foundation towards the salary of our small team, we’ve been able to ensure that all of the gents not only have a hot meal and enjoy social interaction but also receive transportation to and from the groups if needed. Having reliable transport is vital service, particularly for those who would otherwise struggle to attend our groups.
During 2024, 34 gentlemen attended our men's groups once per week, with most attending both groups every Monday and Thursday.
Supporting Mental and Physical Health
Without funding for our running costs of our groups, we couldn't attract funding for additional activities that enhance the well-being of our attendees.
We’ve enjoyed weekly indoor bowls sessions, funded by Sport England, while also running a “Steady on Your Feet” course, funded by Gateshead Council.
The Steady on Your Feet courses and Bowls for Health sessions, both delivered by Active Families North East CIC, are great for improving mobility, increasing confidence, and reducing the risk of falls, which are critical elements in enhancing the quality of life for older individuals.
Volunteers: Making Men's Group Special
Our volunteers are amazing. They play a crucial role at the men’s groups. By collectively offering 14 hours of their time each week, they help serve meals, assist with activities, and provide companionship.
For volunteers, the experience is mutually beneficial. They stay active while contributing to the wellbeing of others in a meaningful way.
Without funding from grant making organisations like the Partiger Trust, we could not deliver our groups, or the volunteering opportunities that also enhance quality of life.
A Case Study of Transformation
One of the most impactful aspects of the groups is the community they foster. Many of the gents who attend our groups live alone, and for those with family or carers, the groups offer reassurance that their loved ones are receiving support and care in a welcoming environment.
One gent who attends our group reached out to us after seeing a post on social media about our services. Struggling with mobility and loneliness, he was struggling to go out during the day while his family was at work. After a home visit from Linda our Men's Group Coordinator, the team and gents already attending the groups gave him a warm welcome.
On his first day, he was introduced to fellow attendees with similar interests and life experiences. He quickly found new friendships and became a regular member of the group. Before joining, he rated his sense of community inclusion at a 0/10. After several months, he rated it a perfect 10/10, alongside improvements in his independence, confidence, mental health, and overall social life.
"I value the friendships, there's nice staff, and it gets me out of the house. Since coming to the group, my confidence has grown. My mobility is better too for getting out of the house, and I've started swimming on the days I don’t attend. The staff have been very influential. It’s their support that has enabled me to seek out new opportunities like swimming. I’ve made life-long friends here, and I’m not as lonely now. I feel part of something." (Men's Group Attendee)
A Building for the Future
The impact of The Pargiter Trust’s funding goes beyond just the groups themselves. This support has also helped us secure just under £250,000 needed to refurbish a new building for our services. Due to the planned demolition of nearby high-rise flats on Bolam Street, we’ve faced the challenge of finding a new home for our groups, but the support from grant making organisations like The Pargiter Trust has played a crucial role in our ability to raise the necessary funds. Without their help to towards our core activities, we would not have been able to demonstrate the profound impact of our work, nor raise the funds as swiftly as we did.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
Thanks to The Pargiter Trust, we’ve been able to continue providing vital support to older men in Gateshead, helping them combat loneliness, improve their physical and mental health, and build lasting friendships. As we look to the future, we remain committed to delivering our groups, ensuring that all the gentlemen who attend have a space where they feel included, welcome, valued, and connected.
We are incredibly grateful to The Pargiter Trust for their kindness and support in making this all possible. Their funding not only sustains the activities of the men’s groups but also paves the way for a stronger, more connected future for the older men in our community.
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