MpnsActionNptwork Charity Numb8r: NIC101617 Men's Actlon Network (MAN) Annual Report 2023- 2024 1. Introductlon Men's Action Network (MAN) is a reglstered charity dedicated to Improving the mental health and weLI-being of men in Derry and the surrounding areas. The organisation provides critical support service8, advocacy, and community engagement initiatives aimed at reducing stigma, promoting mental well-being. and fosterlng resilience among men. Thio Jnn1191 rpnnrt ni Itlinpo ni Ir Imn2Pt 2ehipiipmonto finAnni>il nnoltlnn nhAllpndpo and strategic vision for the future. Over the past year. MAN has contlnued to grow, expanding its reach and solidifying its role as a trusted resource for men In need of mentaL health and emotional support. 2. Governance and Structure Men's Action Network operates under a board of trustees responsible for overseeing governance, ensuring financial accountability, and setting strateglc dlrectlon. The board meets quarterly and is composed of professionals from various backgrounds. includlng healthcare. 8ociaL work, finance, and community leadership. The organisation is managed by a dedicated team, Including: uirecior: NesponsiDie Tor overaii ieaaersnip ana siraregic impiemeniation. Flnance Offlcer: Manages financial operations and funding applications. Counselllng Lead: Oversees therapeutic services and supervlses staff +haranio*o Community Outieach Coordlnator: DeveLops partnership3 and organises community engagement initiatives. Adminlstratlve Support: Ensures smooth day-to-day operations. MAN, also benefits from a team of skilled volunteer counsellors. peer supporters, and facilitators who bring expertise and lived experience to our services. 3. Servlces and Impact
Mpn£AdionNptwork Charlty Number: NIC101617 3.1 One-to-one Coun86lling Between 2023 and 2024. MAN provided: 1,2vv counseiiing s03sions supporting over Juv inaiviauais siruggiing wiin depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. 80% of particlpants reported a significant improvement in their mentaL heaLth. e4• •llart+• avnraooa*4 in•raaooA nnnfiAanna in mgnartinrf +htsir well-being. 3.2 Group Therapy & Peer Support 15 peer.led 8UPPOrt groups facilitated, offering a safe space for men to share their experiences. 200+ men engaged in peer support initiatives. Themes included resilience, coping strategies, mascullnity, and emotlonal inteiLi8ence. 3.3 Cr1818 Interventlon 150 Indlvlduals assisted in crisis situations, including suicidal ideatlon and linmalaoonaoo Immedlate Int8rv8ntlon provlded. ensuring access to emergency mental health services and social supports. 3.4 Workshops & Tralnlng 50 mental health and reslllence workshop8 delivered to over 1,000 attendees. Topics covered stress management. mindfulness. healthy relationships. and Self-esteem. Iraining proviaea to employers ana organisaiions io suppon men's weii-oeing in workplaces. 3.5 Communlty Outreach Fnoadafl ? thrni irth Thi itr•afth nrnrtramm•o avrnoo Nlnrth•rn Iral gnrl Collaborated with 20+ local organlsatlons. including GP clinics, youth services, and sports clubs. Established new referral pathways to ensure men in need receive timely support. 3.6 Male Domestlc Abuse Support
MpnsActionNetwork Charity Number: NIC101617 Men's Action Network has been at the forefront of addressing the often-overlooked issue of male domestic abuse. Over the past year, we have provided speciaList support services to over 100 men experiencing domestic abuse. including psychological, emotional, and physical harm. Our trained counsellors and advocates work closely with survivors to offer practical assistance, emotional support, and access to legal and housing services. Through our targeted outreach effort3, we Iiave helped reduce the stigma suriounding male domestic abuse and encouraged more men to seek hetp. 85% of those supported reported improved safety and weLI-being, while 70% successfully tran8itloned to Independent, Stable Ilvlng 8ltuations. These figures underscore the vitat role MAN plays in breaking the cycle of abuse and fostering long-term recovery for survivors. 4. Flnanclal Overvl8W 4.1 Income Accounts are available on the Charlty Comml88lon Webslte (NIC101617) 5. Achievement8 and Challenges 5.1 Key Achlev8m8nts 111ts1 ¥41ty¥U Otsts¥JJiUitIiy lil I I l¢1 Il¢ll i IVdlLi I )iIVVKJI i il 11 vuIiI I VI Iiii Iv a I iu 11 i-yei Jvi I services. Developed 8trat8gic partnershlps with Local mental health and community organisations. i•reafea an innovative aigiiai 3uppon piaNorm OTTering virtual peer support and counselling. 5.2 Challenges Fundlng Ilmltatlons present challenges in hiring additional staff. Addressing stlgma remains a crucial part of outreach efforts. 6. Case Studle3 and Testimonial3 Case Study 1: Overcoming Social Isolation
MpnsActionNptwork Charity Number: NIC101617 John, a 45-year-old man. struggled with severe depression and social isolation. Through MAN'S counselling and peer 8UPPOrt group, he rebuilt his confidence. developed meaningful connections, and gained employment. Case Study 2: Crlsis Interventlon Success A 32-year-oLd man experiencing suicidaL thoughts reached out to MAN. Immediate intervention connected him with a crisis response team. and ongoing support through therapy sessions helped him regain stability. Case Study 3: E3caping Domestlc Abuse Michael, a 39-year-old man, endured years of emotional and financial abuse from his partner. Fear and societal stigma prevented him from seeking help. After connecting with MAN, he received tailored support, legal advice. and counselling. With our assistance, Michael safely left the abusive environment and began rebuilding his life with newfound confidence and independence. Testlmonlal: "WithoutMAN, I wouldn'tbe here today. Theyg8ve me hope when I hadnone." 7. Future Plans and Strat6glc Goals Expand our coun88lllng capaclty to reduce waiting times. Develop new physlcal health and well.being programmes tailored for men. Increase outreach in ruraL areas where services are Ilmlted. Strengthen corporate partnershlp8 to ensure long-term sustainability. Expand the conversations on male domestic abuse. 8. Concluslon Men's Action Network remains committed to supporting men's mental health in the community. The past year has seen significant growth and impact, but more work remains to be done. With continued support, we aim to reach even more individuals and make a lasting difference in men's lives. Not funding men's organisations will be detrimental to society and this needs to be listened to and addressed. We need to address equality in funding to ensure we continue to save and change lives within our sector, as evidence suggests.
MpnsActionNptwork Charity Number: NIC101617 Prepared by: John McAtamney Chairperson Men's Action Network Date: Dec 2024