Community Action Network (CAN) is thrilled to name the fantastic new men’s project MAST (Men Actively Standing Together) as its Community Hero in the Spotlight for June.

Men’ Health Week is taking place 13th – 20th June this year. The week is all about healthy bodies, hard exercise, good diet, and regular visits to the doctor. CAN’s Community Hero in the Spotlight initiative this month wanted to champion an organisation who encourage and support the men of Dorset to look after their health and wellbeing.

MAST was launched last year and was developed to help men who are victims of domestic abuse, as well as those who were struggling through poor mental health or difficult circumstances. The project wants to see friendships formed and for them to support each other through difficult circumstances such as domestic abuse, coercion and controlling behaviours.

Colin Bennett, Green Door for Families trustee and MAST Co-ordinator said:

"At a time when many men are really struggling to understand their gender roles in the 21^st Century, it has been so encouraging for myself and our volunteer team to enjoyably support such a great group of men. We are truly becoming a ‘Band of Brothers’ and we are looking forward to what happens next."

A participant from the group described MAST as

“Men standing together like brothers in arms, encouraging each other in the good times with laughter and encouraging each other on the battlefield of life, to strengthen each other.”

Over the last year the group has grown with 20 men regularly accessing support and attending monthly breakfasts where they can connect with others and the MAST team of Community Connectors who can provide professional support and signposting.

Emma Lee, Partnership Manager at CAN, said “The support that MAST provides to some of the most vulnerable men in our county is unparalleled.  It is a wonderful charity supporting men that otherwise wouldn’t know where to turn. We are so excited to be celebrating their work over the next month”

To find out more about MAST, please contact Colin on 07944427760.