Salford Manbassadors team from Salix Homes

A new group aiming to tackle male suicide and support men’s mental health has been launched in Salford – and has struck a partnership with one of the city’s flagship sports clubs.

The Salford Manbassadors scheme was officially launched on October 10, to coincide with World Mental Health Day.

This is a new arm of a campaign that launched in Bolton in 2021 and has since expanded across Greater Manchester, thanks to National Lottery funding.

Housing association Salix Homes is leading the roll-out of Salford Manbassadors – a grassroots initiative designed to create a network of trained volunteers, known as ‘Manbassadors’, across the city.

Kate Burns, Salix Homes Housing Manager and Salford Manbassadors Project Lead, said: “We’re proud to be bringing this important initiative to Salford, and we want to build a strong network of local businesses and organisations who will stand with us as Manbassadors.

“These volunteers are local organisations that provide a safe space for men to talk, listen, and signpost to help when needed.

“The aim is to break down the stigma around mental health and encourage men to reach out before it’s too late.”

The first official Manbassador in Salford has been announced as Salford Red Devils Foundation, which will be offering a 16-week health and wellbeing programme for men in Salford, focusing on positive mental wellbeing, physical fitness and healthy eating.

Participants will also have the opportunity to meet players from the club who are backing the Manbassadors scheme.

Paul Trainor, Director of Foundation and Rugby Partnerships at Salford Red Devils Foundation, said: “As a club rooted in the heart of Salford, we’re proud to be the city’s first official Manbassador. The well-being of our community is at the centre of everything we do, and we know sport can be a powerful way to bring people together and break down stigma around mental health.

 Paul Trainor, from Salford Red Devils Foundation, Kate Burns Salford Manbassadors Project Lead at Salix Homes, Loki Carter from Salix Homes, and Nathan Connell, Super League player
Paul Trainor, from Salford Red Devils Foundation, Kate Burns Salford Manbassadors Project Lead at Salix Homes, Loki Carter from Salix Homes, and Nathan Connell, Super League player

“Our new 16-week programme will give men the chance to improve their health and wellbeing, but most importantly, it will provide them with a safe and supportive space where they know they’re not alone.”

Nathan Connell, Salford Red Devils Super League player, added: “It is great that Salford Red Devils Foundation is leading the way as the city’s first Manbassador. Providing men with the opportunity to get together to focus on their physical and mental well-being is so important. We need to get the message out that it is okay to ask for help.”

Salix Homes is now calling on more local businesses, community groups and organisations to get involved and pledge their support as Manbassadors.

Kate also said: “By creating safe spaces in these everyday places, we can reach more men, offer support, and give them the confidence to speak out when they’re struggling. Together, we can make a real difference and support men to live happier, healthier lives.”

The launch comes as sobering figures highlight the scale of the crisis: in Salford alone, 44 people took their own lives in 2023, and suicide remains the single biggest killer of men under 50.

For more information about the Salford Manbassadors scheme, including how to get involved as a Manbassador or to access support, including registering your interest in the Salford Red Devils Foundation programme, visit – here

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