Glasgow-based charity, Men Matter Scotland, has welcomed a donation of furniture that will be used to upgrade its community outreach centre in Drumchapel and will also be gifted to local families.

The furniture has been donated by contractor, GRAHAM, which is delivering the upgrade of the Ministry of Defence’s Single Living Accommodation at His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde (Faslane site), near Helensburgh. The donation includes 20 sets of bunk beds, office desks and chairs, lockers, and an assortment of stationery items. The beds will be gifted to local families supported by the charity. Graham have also generously picked up the cost of supplying a large secure shed for the charity to store their equipment.

Launched in 2020 with just three paid staff and 29 volunteers, Men Matter Scotland helps more than 1,700 men across the Glasgow region with positive physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing support. The charity provides community-based support through activities, one-to-one sessions, and classes that offer service users the opportunity to make connections with new people.

The donation is part of GRAHAM’s continued relationship with the charity, which to date has included the donation of a new kitchen for its outreach centre. GRAHAM staff donated 90 hours of volunteering time throughout December 2023 to fundraise for Men Matter Scotland, helping to decorate a festive grotto and wrap presents for local families.

Most recently Fraser Devine, co-founder of Men Matter Scotland, visited the Candleriggs Square development in Glasgow to deliver mental health workshops for GRAHAM staff, who are currently on site constructing the mixed-use development. A second workshop also took place at Faslane. These workshops have proved a great success and will now be rolled out to other Graham sites soon.

Richard Dairion, Framework Director for GRAHAM’s Building North division, said:

“GRAHAM operates with a predominantly male workforce, who are statistically less likely to discuss their mental health and access services that can help them in times of crisis. The workshops provided by Men Matter Scotland for our team have been greatly welcomed and we will continue to include dedicated mental health support to staff as part of our mission to deliver positive lasting impact.

“We have supported the charity’s efforts since 2021 and we’re amazed at the invaluable service they provide to local people and the genuine support they give to families across Glasgow.”

Commodore Sharon Malkin, Naval Base Commander stated:

“I’m delighted we are able to support this important charity by recycling items that would otherwise have been disposed of.”