Men’s Minds Matter NI has been awarded with an Empowering Local Communities grant
Men’s Minds Matter NI, based in Belfast, has received an Empowering Local Communities grant for £400 by Asda’s charity, the Asda Foundation.
Empowering Local Communities is an Asda Foundation grant for local groups, aimed at supporting a broad range of activities.
It contributes towards transforming communities and improving lives, as well as funding to strengthen their volunteering.
With the help of the Asda Dundonald store, Men’s Minds Matter NI has been awarded the grant for its ongoing support in the local community, focussing significantly on suicide prevention and improving men’s mental health.
Men’s Minds Matter have used the funding to purchase polo shirts, which will be worn by its volunteers to help signpost the important work they’re doing in the community to improve health and wellbeing amongst men in the local area.
Colin Murray, Club Secretary of Men’s Minds Matter NI said: “We were so thankful to receive an Empowering Local Communities grant from the Asda Foundation.
“This money helped us to purchase new club polo shirts, which enables our members to look and feel part of our group.
“We wear our polo shirts with pride and these help to raise awareness of men’s mental health issues and let people know who we are and who supported us.
“We would like everyone to know and in particular men, if you are struggling with mental health issues or are concerned about your wellbeing you are not alone.
“You are not the only person to feel this way … do not struggle, reach out to someone for help, it’s good to talk.
“You can get through this and it’s perfectly natural not to be okay, everyone can feel this way at some point in their life.
“If you are a man aged 30+ and would like to come along to the Men’s Minds Matter NI group, you will be made very welcome.
“We meet every Friday at 7pm in Tullycarnet Community Centre, Belfast, and please check out our Facebook page for more information and to see what we do.”
Groups in Northern Ireland are invited to apply for the Asda Foundation’s second round of grants, which is now live until Friday 24th May.
Over £500k is available for groups to apply for activities throughout the summer period, from holiday clubs and community clean ups to foodbank supplies and breakfast clubs, there is wide range of support available.
Martin Kendal, Asda Foundation Communication and Impact Advisor said: “We’re delighted that Men’s Minds Matter NI has benefitted from this grant in such a positive way, and the Asda Foundation is proud to open its second round of grants, where £500k is available for local grassroots groups across the UK.
“The grants can range between £400 and £2000 and will need to be supported by a Community Champion at your local Asda store.
“In 2023, Asda Foundation grants supported 81 groups in Northern Ireland with funding totalling £77,270.”
“Supporting grassroot groups that are local to Asda stores is so important to the Asda Foundation. We hope it will make a real difference to groups across the country.
“From volunteering support to helping purchase new equipment, if you are part of a group that could benefit from a Grassroots Grant, reach out to your local Community Champion.”
Groups in Northern Ireland are invited to apply for the second grant round which is live from now until Friday 24th May.
The applications must fit in with one of the following criteria:
1. Empowering Local Communities Grant:
2. Under 18 Better Starts Grant:
for local groups aimed at supporting a broad range of activities for children under the age of 18 which contribute towards transforming communities and improving children’s lives, as well as funding to strengthen their volunteering.
3. Cost of Living Grant:
for local groups aimed at supporting the increased running costs groups are facing as a result of the crisis. This grant aims to support groups with rent, utility, and essential costs, as well as funding to strengthen their volunteering.
Asda Foundation’s goal is to build resilient communities by empowering local groups to make a positive difference, addressing local challenges and social needs.
The charity aims to achieve this by providing funding to local grassroots community groups, enabling them to meet the diverse needs of their community and to help them thrive and grow.
All grant applications need to have the endorsement of an Asda Community Champion, who work out of Asda’s stores across Northern Ireland.
Community Champions have limited grants budget per store and may not always be able to support an application for funding, but they will be able to discuss other support available.
Groups may apply for one Grassroots Grant per year and there are three different grant rounds taking place in 2024.
Round 2 applications may be submitted to the Asda Foundation before 24th May 2024, and activities must begin within six months of the application window closing date (i.e. by 24th November 2024).
All application guidance and criteria can be found online at:
To find out more about the Asda Foundation, including eligibility for submitting a funding application, either contact the Community Champion at your local Asda store, or go to:
