This multi-agency event brought together over 80 attendees from across West Yorkshire as, including local authorities, Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations, support workers, volunteers, and community members, to highlight the progress of the MAN MATTERS initiative and address pressing mental health issues.
The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day, Workplace Stress, provided a timely backdrop for the event, emphasising the importance of collective action in promoting mental health in Wakefield and beyond.
A Visionary Keynote: The Story So Far
The event was opened by Stan Foster, CEO of GASPED and the brainchild behind the MAN MATTERS project. In his keynote, The Story So Far, Stan reflected on the origins of the initiative and its remarkable journey over the past two years.
“This project was born from a need to address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable men in our community,” “We’ve not only supported individuals but built a movement that challenges stigma, fosters resilience, and creates safe spaces for open dialogue.” Stan (CEO) GASPED.
His words set the tone for the day, inspiring attendees to reflect on the importance of continued collaboration to tackle men’s mental health challenges in the Wakefield district.
Powerful Client Videos & Stories of Lived Experience
The showcase featured a series of client videos that spotlighted personal stories of men who have been supported by MAN MATTERS. These videos resonated deeply with attendees, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the lived realities of vulnerable men in Wakefield. Other videos explored themes of recovery, hope, and breaking down barriers to accessing mental health support.
The segment Working With Vulnerable Men, presented by Kerry, GASPED’s Support Worker Coordinator, shed light on the challenges faced by men navigating emotional and social difficulties.
Mase’s Story, presented by Mase a social media presence and fundraiser, inspired many in the audience through his account of his experience of attending the MAN MATTERS Coffee Group.
Thomas, a Support Worker at GASPED, shared his Lived Experience in a moving session. Thomas described his personal battle with mental health issues and how finding the right support system empowered him to rebuild his life. His heartfelt account underscored the importance of peer support and community-driven initiatives.
Theory of Change and Critical Evaluation
Niraj , former CFO of GASPED, delivered sessions on the Theory of Change and Critical Evaluation of the MAN MATTERS initiative. Niraj provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s goals, measurable outcomes, and the lessons learned over the past two years.
He highlighted the initiative’s impact across the Wakefield district, including improved access to mental health resources, increased community engagement, and a stronger focus on preventative measures. The evaluation also outlined key areas for growth as the project moves into its third year.
Importantly the evaluation demonstrated that helped the most vulnerable men in the Wakefield District as measured by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). Interestingly he also demonstrated that the age profile of the men accessing the service we a direct correlation to the profile of Wakefield District.
Volunteering as the Heart of MAN MATTERS
Volunteering was another prominent theme of the day. Trevor Hurdus-Warren, Trustee of GASPED, led a session on Volunteering – Male, sharing his own experiences and emphasising how volunteering can foster personal growth and help create a stronger community network.
Similarly, Cheryl, who shared her recovery journey during Volunteering – Female, spoke about how giving back through volunteering has been a cornerstone of her ongoing sobriety and mental well-being. Both sessions highlighted the mutual benefits of volunteering for individuals and the community at large.
Co-Production Workshops: Addressing Key Issues Together
The afternoon featured a series of interactive workshops that addressed critical issues affecting Wakefield’s communities:
- Crisis Intervention: Facilitated by Jennifer and Akeem, this session provided practical strategies for managing crises and emphasised the importance of early intervention.
- Ethnic Minorities: Led by Waheeda and Ghufrana, this workshop focused on reducing barriers to mental health support for ethnic minority communities in Wakefield.
- Vulnerable Men: Facilitated by Olivia and Helen, this workshop delved into the specific needs of men in distress, emphasising trust-building and tailored support mechanisms.
- Your Policing Priorities: Facilitated by Sharon and Paige, from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, this session highlighted some of the barriers that local policing can present to vulnerable men whilst addressing mental health-related incidents. This was based on consultation with the clients at the MAN MATTERS groups.
Attendees actively participated in discussions and shared their perspectives, with insights captured through photos and vox pop interviews.
A wide range of partner organisations set up stalls to offer attendees valuable resources and information:
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA)
- NHS Ethnic Minorities Research Inclusion Hub
- Ison Harrison (Legal Aid)
- Here for You (Crisis Support)
- Getting Clean (Addiction Support)
- Livewell Wakefield (Social Prescribing)
These stalls reflected the collaborative nature of the event and ensured attendees left with actionable insights and access to a robust support network.
Reflections and Closing Remarks
The day concluded with a Final Reflection by Stan, who expressed gratitude to the speakers, attendees, and partner organisations that made the event a success. “Together, we’re building a brighter future for Wakefield’s communities, one step at a time,” Stan remarked, underscoring GASPED’s commitment to breaking the stigma around mental health and fostering resilience across the district.
The MAN MATTERS Year 2 Showcase was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration and community action. As the project enters its third year, the lessons and stories shared at this event will continue to inspire positive change throughout Wakefield.
You can read the MAN MATTERS Year 2 Evaluation Report here. If you would like further information please contact us at resourcecentre@gasped.co.uk.
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