Creating connection and change: supporting men’s mental health through sustainable giving
A Good Thing is an online platform that allows businesses to give things away to their local charities. Less to landfill, more to a good cause! The case study below is an example of one charity's use of our 'charity need' function, which enables users to let local organisations know exactly what their charity is looking for.
This month, as moustaches start to appear everywhere, Movember reminds us that small actions can lead to big changes. Businesses can play an active part in this campaign too, by donating unwanted items through A Good Thing, and helping charities and organisations in their vital work to support men’s mental health, suicide prevention and cancer research.
Providing space for men to connect
Across the UK, many men’s shed charities have already benefited from using A Good Thing. These community spaces give men a place to connect, chat and work on projects together, helping to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. The Fraserburgh Men’s Shed in Scotland shared how impactful the platform has been for its community:
“I've found the site really easy to use and have had great success with it – I’ll endorse it to the UK Men’s Shed Association as there will be lots of items that come up in England that I’m sure would be very useful. Coffee mugs, umbrellas, sports socks, tote bags and even baseball caps… All have found a use here, whether as gifts for members, practical items for the workshop or essentials shared among visitors. The long-sleeved T-shirts were especially useful for layering up while working outside in the cooler weather.”
Stories like these show how simple donations can have a lasting ripple effect, creating connection, warmth and belonging in communities across the country.
Empowering male victims of domestic abuse
The Empowering Men Initiative charity, based outside Sheffield, provides support to male victims of domestic abuse, helping men escape harmful situations by providing immediate signposting, emotional support and practical guidance. Its mission is to break the silence and stigma surrounding male victimhood, and its work fills a critical gap in support services, ensuring that men in crisis (and the children affected by their circumstances) are not overlooked and have access to the help they need.
As a small organisation, the charity is currently operating without the essential tools needed to run its services efficiently. Donating equipment such as phones, computers, and tablets would directly empower this organisation to begin this crucial work while it continues to seek longer-term funding.
Supporting dads
Many dads feel that the existing parenting support systems focus mostly on mums, so Scottish charity Dads Rock works to empower fathers to feel more confident about their role in the family and about their relationship with their children. By offering free workshops, playgroups and one-to-one support, the charity supports fathers in building confidence and strengthening resilience.
All of Dads Rock’s services are free, ensuring that every dad (whether single or in a relationship, from any background or nationality, including gay, trans and non-binary) can access the support, community and resources they need to be the best parent they can be.
Any donations of laptops and/or mobile phones will directly help the charity’s family workers in their efforts to support vulnerable families in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Dads Rock is also looking for toys of various kinds for children to use in its weekly playgroups in Maryhill.
How you can help this Movember.
Registering with A Good Thing is quick and easy: if you’re a business with anything from office equipment and furniture to toys or other items to spare, you can follow these simple steps and make a meaningful and sustainable contribution to the charities involved in Movember initiatives.