Bus operator gives fundraising boost to York men’s mental health charity

First York is supporting efforts this Christmas to raise funds for a local charity focused on helping men’s mental health.

A poster campaign has been launched across the bus operator’s fleet and at Park and Ride sites encouraging customers to text ‘SPEAK’ to 70085 to donate to Menfulness, which was founded four years ago and uses the hashtag #DontManUpSpeakUp.

Money raised will go towards funding a range of activities including free counselling, social and leisure meet-ups, sports nights, exercise classes, events and an allotment at Haxby.

Dan Braidley, a founding member and trustee of Menfulness, said: “We’re really pleased that First York has decided to get behind our activities and spread the word about our goal to remove stigmas around male mental health and promote positive, healthy mindsets and lifestyles.”

He added: “Christmas is a happy time of the year but it can also be stressful, especially with the rising cost of living which we’re all experiencing. Our message is that if you’re finding circumstances getting on top of you get in touch, we are there for you.”

In the past two years, some 160 men have been referred to the free counselling which is provided by Serendipity Counselling. “We are hugely proud of the progress Menfulness has made to date and of the positive impacts it has had on so many lives,” said Dan. He explained that referral to the first session is typically made within a week of assessment.

First York is also busy arranging fundraising by its employees with quizzes, raffles and an army of Santa-suited drivers on its buses on Friday 16 December.

The operator now has nine Mental Health First Aiders among its workforce who are there to support colleagues, provide a listening ear and encourage support for low mood, anxiety and stress.

Cathy Croston, Head of Operations, said: “Mental health is important for us and something we promote alongside other aspects of our employee engagement and assistance. Menfulness provides a natural fit for our male colleagues but is equally helpful to women in our business who are strong allies in promoting mental health and talking freely about pressures in life.”

A dedicated page of the First York website https://www.firstbus.co.uk/york/news-and-service-updates/news/menfulness has more details about the charity and links to a choice of Menfulness resources, social media and a podcast.

Ends

Photo captions:

1. Charlie Edwards (front left) First York Depot Assistant and Mental Health First Aider with Dan Braidley and rear (from left) Jack and Matty from Menfulness and Andy Hayes, First York Contracts Manager and Mental Health First Aider.
2. Charlie Edwards (front left) First York Depot Assistant and Mental Health First Aider with Dan Braidley and rear (from left) Matty and Jack from Menfulness and Andy Hayes, First York Contracts Manager and Mental Health First Aider.
3. Charlie Edwards (front) First York Depot Assistant and Mental Health First Aider with (rear l-r) Matty from Menfulness, Andy Hayes, First York Contracts Manager and Mental Health First Aider, Dan Braidley and Jack from Menfulness.
4. Charlie Edwards (left) First York Depot Assistant and Mental Health First Aider with Dan Braidley.

Notes to Editors

About Menfulness

Menfulness originated from the award-winning Yorkey Dads group and is active on all social media channels. It has produced a self-help MANual and poster which have been distributed throughout York in gyms, GP surgeries, York Hospital, The Grand Opera House and many other locations. For more information visit https://menfulness.org/about-us/