Growing2gether is the only Scottish youth intervention to have been selected to be part of a men’s and boy’s global mental health initiative championed by Movember. Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects globally, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.
On the 10th of October, World Mental Health Day, Movember will be launching their global mental health initiative – Scaling What Works. This initiative is to raise awareness and mobilise efforts in support of mental health. As one of the successful global recipients Growing2gether won over £300K
in funding to support its two-year goal of scaling up to change the lives of over 200 teenage boys from remote, deprived Highland areas, plus expand into Dundee and Aberdeen. All programmes will be evaluated by the Centre of Evidence and Implementation (CEI) to ensure they are delivering the best possible outcomes in communities that may be more disproportionately affected by poor mental health.
“At the start of this programme I was so shy and wouldn’t talk to anyone. I don’t like doing stuff in front of people because of my anxiety. I ended up dancing.”
Bob, 15 – Growing2gether participant
Growing2gether’s pioneering work building mental health and wellbeing has resulted in over 80% of participants saying they feel more confident. Since January 2017, over 600 young people facing disadvantage have been paired with nursery children needing additional support. The positive experience of giving back to another child builds self-belief, strengthens relationships and increases community connection. 85% gained a Level 4 Personal Development Qualification (Self Awareness and Self in Community Units), helping young people to re-engage in education and achieve their potential.
“Through the power of mentoring another child, we will coach boys to move beyond gender stereotypes of being strong and holding back their feelings (leading to poor mental health and community issues). They will see the value of social skills and of building positive relationships for their future.”
Diana Whitmore – Growing2gether Founder and CEO