Opening up this Men’s Health Month
It’s Men’s Health Month, also known as Movember.
Movember is an annual event that raises awareness about men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and more.
Men’s health is an ever-relevant topic for us at the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF, the Freemasons’ charity), as our audience is largely made up of Freemasons, most of whom will be affected by men’s health problems listed above in some way.
Read on to learn about how we’re working to improve the wellbeing of men across communities through our Charity Grants programme and hear some personal stories from our staff members.
Future Men
Thanks to the generosity of Freemasons and their families, we recently awarded a grant of £60,000 to Future Men, a specialist charity that provides emotional and young men aged 9 to 25 – especially those facing disadvantage or exclusion – through school-based programmes, community outreach, and fatherhood support. This project supports marginalised fathers and male carers in Lewisham and Southwark to build stronger, more involved relationships with their children in the critical early years (0–5).
I am really pleased that Freemasons have been able help such a fantastic project that champions the wellbeing of young men and fathers in London. This project will enhance father-child bonding, improve family stability, reduce conflict, and improve mental health for fathers.
Stay tuned on our channels in the coming weeks for more information about this grant.
Personal stories from our staff members
“November is Men’s Health Awareness Month – a time to encourage open conversations about physical health, mental resilience, and overall wellbeing.
For many men, talking about these issues can feel uncomfortable or even impossible. I know this because I’ve been there. My own experiences with anxiety and depression were challenging, but counselling, provided by the MCF – and having friends who were willing to listen – made all the difference.
Simply put, talking helps, talking matters. Sharing our concerns can help stigmas and create space for others to do the same. If you’re finding things tough, please reach out – to a friend, a colleague, or a professional. You’re not alone, and asking for help is a sign of strength.
Let’s use this month to start conversations that could change lives.” – Paul Crockett, Head of Fundraising
“My son has carried the weight of mental health struggles since his early teens, navigating challenges no young person should ever have to endure. At just 10 years old, he was diagnosed with Autism, and only a few months later, he lost his best friend to cancer. From that point on, his journey became incredibly tough. As a family, we’ve walked through some of the darkest moments imaginable – including the heartbreaking day he attempted to take his own life.
Through this experience, I’ve learned just how vital it is to talk, to listen, and to break the silence that so often surrounds men’s mental health. Too many fathers, sons, brothers, and friends suffer quietly, believing they must carry their struggles alone. They don’t.
That’s why this year, my brother and my dad took on the Great North Run to raise awareness and funds for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – an incredible charity working to prevent suicide, the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. CALM provides support, hope, and a lifeline to those who feel they can’t go on.” – Steph Jones, Marketing Manager
Get involved
As a charity, we’re firm believers in the power of community, fundraising, and raising awareness about important causes. Why not set up a fundraiser in aid of a charity you care about?
If you, or someone in your life are in need of urgent support, please get in touch with the charity Mind, who can provide you with the necessary support to ensure your safety.
