A safe space for men to talk openly about health, wellbeing and life's challenges, and to find the right support.
Sunshine
Our aimTo support and empower men to take positive steps towards their health and wellbeing to fulfil God's purpose.
Sunshine Men's Advocacy exists to raise awareness of men's health and wellbeing, create safe spaces for men to speak openly about challenges they may be experiencing, connect men with appropriate support and services, and encourage positive physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.
The Organisation will particularly seek to engage men who may be isolated, reluctant to seek help or experiencing health and wellbeing challenges in silence. We also plan to work with professional men and community leaders who have experience in various areas of life to impact knowledge and support for men in need.
Starting the conversation
We run workshops, seminars, forums and community activities on men's physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing, so men know the signs, know their options and feel able to act early.
Talking without judgement
Men can speak openly here. We also bring generations together to talk about health, family, relationships, fatherhood, ageing and cultural identity.
Signposting and advocacy
We help men find the right statutory, voluntary, professional, faith-based and community services, and encourage them to seek professional help early.
Through life's harder seasons
Loneliness, bereavement, family difficulties, unemployment or retirement. Whatever a man is facing, he doesn't have to face it alone.
Men who feel isolated,men reluctant to ask for helpand men carrying challenges in silence.
We also bring together professional men and community leaders who want to share what they have learned with men in need.
Our work is shaped by faith and a belief that every man has a purpose worth pursuing. Caring for body, mind and spirit helps men live that purpose fully, for themselves, their families and their communities. Whatever your background, you are welcome.
— purpose for every season of life.
Ten objectives, one aim: healthier, happier men
From awareness and open conversation to practical signposting, these are the commitments that guide Sunshine Men's Advocacy, along with the barriers we work to remove and the challenges we help men through.
To promote awareness of men's physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing.
To organise workshops, seminars, forums and community activities relating to men's health and wellbeing when possible.
To encourage men to seek appropriate professional help, support and early intervention when experiencing health or wellbeing concerns.
To address barriers that may prevent men from seeking help, including cultural expectations, stigma, isolation, fear, misinformation and traditional perceptions of masculinity.
- Cultural expectations
- Stigma
- Isolation
- Fear
- Misinformation
- Traditional perceptions of masculinity
To support men who may be experiencing loneliness, bereavement, family difficulties, social isolation, unemployment, retirement or other life challenges.
- Loneliness
- Bereavement
- Family difficulties
- Social isolation
- Unemployment
- Retirement
To connect men with appropriate statutory, voluntary, professional, faith-based and community services.
To encourage positive conversations between generations of men about health, family, relationships, fatherhood, ageing, cultural identity and wellbeing.
To collaborate with health professionals, community organisations, faith organisations, local authorities, universities, researchers and other relevant organisations where this supports the Organisation's objectives.
To provide signposting and advocacy support while recognising that the Organisation does not replace qualified medical, psychological, legal or other professional services.
To raise funds and receive donations and other lawful income necessary to achieve the Organisation's objectives.
Our principles
Every conversation, event and referral is guided by these commitments.
Respect
Every man will be treated with dignity and respect.
Confidentiality
Personal information will be handled appropriately and responsibly.
Inclusion
The Organisation will seek to reach men from different cultural, social, economic and generational backgrounds.
Compassion
Men will be encouraged to speak without fear of judgement.
Empowerment
The Organisation will help men make informed decisions about their own health and wellbeing.
Partnership
The Organisation will work constructively with relevant professionals and organisations.
Safeguarding
Concerns relating to the safety or welfare of participants will be dealt with in accordance with appropriate safeguarding procedures.
Respect for professional boundaries
Volunteers and advocates will not present themselves as medical or mental-health professionals unless appropriately qualified and authorised to do so.
If you need help now, you don't have to wait
If you are struggling, please reach out today. These free UK services are there for you, day and night.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Urgent medical or mental health advice.
Free to call, 24 hours a day.
A helpline for anyone who needs to talk.
Sunshine Men's Advocacy provides signposting and advocacy support. We do not replace qualified medical, psychological, legal or other professional services.