Overview
Stand Tall was founded by experienced healthcare professionals from Wales and is their idea for tackling the gap in provision that leads to men being three times more likely to take their own life. The organisation offers an 8-week strength and wellbeing course specifically designed for men’s mental health. By integrating physical sessions and mental health workshops, the program focusses on fitness whilst bringing companionship, addressing issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
It’s now common knowledge that men are three times more likely to take their lives and our society is suffering physically and mentally. Paul Regan, a mental health professional and Charles Needham, a weightlifting coach, both from Wales have designed the Stand Tall programme to address this urgent need.
As a Mental Health Nurse, Paul had witnessed a gap in traditional mental health care, realising that men are less likely to access mental health services, are at a higher risk of suicide, and more likely to fall into substance abuse.
Their free 8-week Strength and Wellbeing Course blends skills based physical sessions (using a barbell) with mental health workshops consisting of three pillars.
- The initial part – the ‘Body’ pillar – focuses on physical health, promoting fitness and companionship through gym sessions.
- This transitions into the ‘Head’ pillar, a mental health workshop, designed to tackle issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and ADHD, using strategies from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Behavioural Activation.
- The third pillar is the essential ‘Community’ aspect, fostering a supportive environment that enables connections, mutual growth, and resilience.
Currently, Stand Tall is run by two full-time working dads, dedicated to making a difference in men’s mental health. They have achieved significant strides, but demand is now exceeding their current capacity.
The £2,500 grant awarded from the John Good Group will enable Stand Tall to build on their offering, invest in mental health training and reach a wider audience. They will use funds raised to develop courses capable of bringing in funds, which will in turn enable them to offer more courses for free to others who need it most in their community.
Being shortlisted is incredible. We are a small, high impact charity open to all voluntary sector leaders across South Yorkshire. Many of the charities we support are small or medium sized organisations, the smallest being a food bank and community larder operating from the founder’s own house.
Support for us means support for a wide range of diverse charities from across the region, resulting in a significant impact for a large number of communities and service users.
Martin Singer
