Our men’s mental health project in Somerset may be ending but the abundance of community groups still in the local area means there is plenty to celebrate.
Stepladder, Second Step and Open Mental Health’s men’s mental health project in Somerset will be ending on 31 March 2025.
We are proud of the work the project has done to support men’s wellbeing in the county but due to an increasingly challenging financial situation, it has not been possible to secure funding for its continuation.
Local connections
We firmly believe in the core principles of Stepladder, which focused on fostering local connections as a way of improving mental health, as well as raising awareness of the support available to men in their local area. Stepladder was an integral part of Somerset Council’s wider suicide prevention strategy, focusing on early intervention and reaching men before they get to crisis point.
We have supported more than 50 groups, bringing together over 1500 men to improve their mental health and wellbeing through connection and community. Our Innovation Fund has also acted as a catalyst for groups to grow and keep going through the cost of living crisis.
Mark Brown, Senior Operations Manager at Second Step said:
“Stepladder was an innovative addition to Somerset’s overall suicide prevention strategy and did some great work in connecting men to local groups in the county.
We know that men suffer from social isolation more than women, so small projects that cater for a range of interests can make all the difference in helping them feel connected. Stepladder’s legacy is the thriving network of groups that men can now tap into.”
Making a difference
We have seen first-hand the effect of the hard work and compassion of countless residents of Somerset who volunteer their time to help others. It is these quiet, steady kind of connections that make a difference every day.
Projects included:
- Willow weaving lessons at Ark at Edgwood in Crewkerne
- Interacting with wildlife at Owl Enlightenment near Glastonbury
- A cup of tea and a chat at Sporting Memories in Bridgwater
Although we won’t be able to support these groups any longer, we are proud to have played our part in their work and know that community spirit is alive and kicking in Somerset and will continue to help men in the future.
Stepladder was initially funded by Somerset’s public health team and is currently funded by the Open Mental Health alliance on a non-recurrent basis.
A number of resources for men, including signposting and advice articles, will remain on the Second Step website.
Want to learn about some of the groups Stepladder has supported? Watch Sharpy’s story here and find out more about Owl Enlightenment here.
Looking for tips on how to manage your mental health? Read about James’s rucking habit here and the small steps Michael takes everyday to help his wellbeing.
You can also check out our past posts on Instagram and YouTube for more about the Stepladder project.