Men agree participating in
sports and exercising benefits
their mental health
According to the latest data, 75% of all suicides are men, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support for mental health in men.
Men agree exercising reduces their anxiety and depression and
increases their self-esteem
About Stepladder
Stepladder is a men’s mental health and wellbeing project, supporting men to make connections and find support in their local communities. Working across Somerset as part of Open Mental Health, Stepladder focuses on community development project work, acting as a catalyst for other groups, organisations and individuals to reach men who may be isolated and finding life tough.
Although Stepladder is not set up to deliver services directly, the work it does alongside local organisations and groups to develop relationships, build trust and raise awareness around men’s mental health, plays an important role in early suicide prevention.
The project also offers financial support via The Winston Innovation Fund, a grant-giving fund named in memory of the project’s team manager who sadly died in 2023. The Winston Innovation Fund is a pot of money to help fund groups, projects and initiatives for men in Somerset. Grants of up to £500 which aim to improve the mental wellbeing of men across Somerset are open for anyone to apply.
If you want to know more about our work across Somerset or would like to share your experiences, please get in touch stepladdersomerset@second-step.co.uk
Need community funding?
The Winston Innovation Fund is a pot of money available to improve the mental wellbeing of men across Somerset. You can apply for a grant up to £500.
Anyone proposing a project, event, training programme or group that supports men’s wellbeing and mental health in Somerset can apply.
Funding will be available for:
- Proposals that support men aged 18+ to improve their wellbeing and mental health
- Projects or for equipment and resources
- Somerset based only proposals
- Voluntary, community and social enterprise groups
- Local groups or individuals who are not constituted but have appropriate governance in place
- Proposals that improve the wellbeing of at least five men.
Find out more and apply for funding here
Download the Application Form
If you have any issues with completing the form or would prefer a paper version please email stepladdersomerset@second-step.co.uk
"The funding from Stepladder enabled us to buy equipment and willow plants. It helped me set up my own willow weaving workshop at Ark at Egwood and help other men find an activity they enjoy and can socialise at." - Warren
"The class majorly improved my mobility, flexibility and strength. It's the best I've felt in years thanks to this class!" - 'Men on mats' attendee.
(Pilates class for men aged 60+)
"When times are difficult financially and many of the people we reach out to are elderly or on state pensions, somewhere to come and meet people for refreshments would not have been successful without this." - Axe Valley Men's Shed
