Bolton Manbassadors in the Community (BMitC) continues to make a real difference to the lives of men across Bolton after £2,500 social value fund donation.
With this funding, BMitC can now deliver a full year of weekly football sessions, creating a safe, welcoming space for men of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. These sessions:
- Attract around 30 men weekly, with 65 active members
- Promote social connection, emotional support and physical wellbeing
- Include special events like a Bolton Wanders Football Club stadium tour and a session led by goalkeeping legend Keith Branagan
These sessions are more than sport, they’re a lifeline. One of the men who takes part in the sessions, previously suicidal and isolated reconnected with the group after a message in the football WhatsApp chat. He’s now receiving free counselling and attending sessions again, feeling “a weight lifted.”
And he’s not alone over 65% of men engaged had never accessed support before, and 77% of those receiving help were first reached through BMitC’s community activities.
The impact of these sessions is clear with improved mental, emotional, and social wellbeing; reduced isolation; and increased access to support. With 62% of participants under 50, the age group most at risk of suicide, this work is saving lives.
BMitC now hopes to expand to a second site at Thornleigh High School in Bolton to meet growing demand and reach even more men in need.
The support from Great Places helps to make this possible.
