Supporting men's health during lockdown

Menself+ CIC was established in 2015 and are based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow. They offer a range of activities targeted primarily, but not exclusively, at men aged 14 years plus. The group aims to combat isolation, reduce suicide, and encourage dialogue around men’s health issues. 

A grant of £1,700 from the Baillie Gifford Community Awards Fund enabled the group to deliver 20 weekly yoga sessions. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the imposed lockdowns, a large number of the sessions were delivered online. However, this provided the benefit of being able to offer the classes to a larger number of people and to a wider geographical area. These factors more than doubled the number of participants the group saw, from an expected 40 to an actual total of 86. The yoga classes were so popular that Menself were able to secure funding to deliver a further 22 sessions.
 

One yoga class participant said,

"The yoga classes have helped me through my mental health struggles. I had never done yoga before but now I’m so glad I took part. The sessions have helped me improve my overall fitness and calm my mind down. This group has helped me through the tough times, I intend to keep up my exercise routine moving forward. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Menself +."