Colleagues at Coastline Housing have presented £9,160 to local Community Interest Company Man Down.
The money is a result of a year’s worth of fundraising by colleagues at the Cornish housing charity.
Allister Young, CEO of Coastline Housing, explains: “We fundraise for a different local cause each year and in 2023 colleagues decided they wanted to support Man Down. Sadly, a number of colleagues had been affected in some way by male suicide and mental health problems and everyone came together to agree that it was an important issue to support and raise awareness of.”
Throughout the year, representatives at Man Down also visited Coastline’s offices and company events to talk to people there about what services the organisation provides in Cornwall and how people can get help if they feel that they are struggling with their mental health.
The money was raised thanks to a number of events including a big marathon challenge in September where colleagues climbed a collective four ‘Mount Everests’ by walking up to the top of Carn Brea and back over 24 hours and also walked a collective 422 miles on a flat route on the Great Flat Lode during the same period. Colleagues also held BBQs, a quiz night, raffle, pancake breakfasts, a nearly new sale and more.
Dale Webb from Man Down says: “It has been great working with Coastline this past 12 months and a real credit to the organisation for recognising the impact of male suicide in Cornwall. The commitment shown by the whole Coastline team over such a long period has been very impressive and it was great to personally get out to many of the events held and to talk to people. “The money raised will go into helping us provide highly valued support for the men of Cornwall, and whilst this is hugely helpful, the biggest contribution this past year will deliver is the increased awareness around the subject of male suicide in Cornwall. I hope everyone connected to Coastline is clear that support is available and together we can reduce the stigma around men’s mental health. Let’s Talk About It.”
Head of Finance Zoe Field, who organised the Coastline charity marathon challenge, adds: “Colleagues, contractors and their friends and families are always so keen to get involved in our fundraising each year and we really appreciate it. As a Cornish charity ourselves, we know how important these services are to many people in the county and we’re so pleased that we’ve been able to give Man Down a boost to continue their excellent work.”