Running for Men’s Mental Health
On Sunday, the 18th of May 2025, a group of over 20 people, including participants, staff, friends, family, and even Harry the Hornet, will be running the sold-out Hackney Half Marathon to help raise vital funds, and give back to a mental health and wellbeing programme managed by self-financing charity Watford Football Club’s Community Sports and Education Trust – Man On!
Since 2018, Man On! has provided free mental health support to over 100 men in Watford, St Albans, Harrow, and Rickmansworth. Aimed at men over 18 years old facing mental health challenges, the programme offers a safe space for support, shared experiences, and resources. It includes weekly football sessions, wellbeing discussions, and mental health workshops to help men manage their mental health and build support networks. Relying on funding grants, sponsorship, and donations to sustain its services, Man On! costs around £16,000 per venue per year (typical costs include venue, staffing, equipment, and operations). Your donation, big or small, helps ensure the programme’s continued impact.
The Trust also runs several other initiatives targeting an improvement in people’s mental health, as well as increasing awareness of support networks and coping strategies for those experiencing poor mental health, including projects for young people such as Youth Link and Empower. This is why any money that surpasses the specified target of £7500 will go towards the continued operation of these programmes.
One member of the team taking on the Hackney Half is Man On! participant, Tom Williams, who said:
“The Man On! Programme has pretty much given me my life back. The reason I’m running the Hackney Half for Man On! Is because it’s really helped me on my mental health journey and saved my life. It will be a great achievement running a half marathon and crossing that finish line. If I can raise as much money to help a good cause that saved my life, then I’m happy.”
Head of Health and Wellbeing at the Trust, Karen Stephanou added:
“It’s been fantastic to see the commitment of those this programme has benefited as well as the staff linked to the project. They are taking on a fantastic challenge, thanks in advance to anyone who is in a position to support them.
We must also thank Three Rivers District Council as their funding has enabled the Rickmansworth Man On! to continue for at least another year. Similarly, we are grateful to have the support of Watford Borough Council with our Watford sessions.
However, the fact is, this programme now urgently requires further funding to ensure it is as accessible as possible to those that need Man On! the most. Hence, there is a need for other income streams. If you think you can help and would like to hear more, please do get in touch with our team.”
If you would like to support Man On! and help keep the programme running, donations can be made here: https://watfordfccsetrust.enthuse.com/pf/ec49d/donation#!/
Alternatively, if you or someone you know could benefit from Man On! please contact the Trust’s Health & Wellbeing Project Officer and lead on this programme, Ross Dommett by emailing ross.dommett@watfordfc.com or call 07510 925302.
