A PIONEERING community initiative dedicated to transforming the way men discuss their mental health has received a welcome cash boost.

Believed to be the first of its kind in the country, Newton Abbot based BroProject was founded by Matt Pearson and uses golf and other group activities as a way of providing opportunities for men to have conversations.

Now the group has been handed a monthly donation from Newton Abbot company Baker Estates to help continue its ground-breaking work.

The cash will help fund BroPro’s work which includes free golf range nights and other group activities designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for men to discuss and address their mental well-being.

Matt, from Newton Abbot, founded the group after facing his own mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was forced to close his gym business while preparing for the arrival of his first child.

Determined to make a difference, Matt started BroProject to break the stigma around men’s mental health by using golf and other group activities as a platform for open conversations.

Matt explained: ‘The aim is to give men a safe space to hang out and talk if they want to.

‘We found that hitting golf balls at the local driving range was the perfect opportunity.

‘At our first session, we had a handful of men turn up. By the second, that number had doubled, and now our sessions across Devon regularly attract over 200 attendees a month.’

The organisation strives to make golf accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial position, allowing more individuals to experience the sport’s mental and physical benefits.

Long-term, BroProject’s goal is to place a trained mental health first aider in every golf club across the UK.

Matt, himself a trained mental health first aider, believes laughter, social interaction, and shared experiences play a vital role in improving mental well-being.

He said: ‘We have guys who come along and just smash balls all night and that’s just fine.

‘Mental health is about preventative measures as well as talking when you have something to offload.

‘We need to do more about preventing suicides and slowly men are opening up more when they have problems they can face.’

Ian Baker, Managing Director of Baker Estates, said: ‘We are proud to support BroProject in its mission to improve men’s mental health.

‘Mental well-being is just as important as physical health, yet many men still find it difficult to seek help.

‘BroProject’s innovative approach, using golf and group activities to encourage conversation and connection, is making a real difference.

‘We hope our support will enable them to expand their reach and provide even more men with the opportunity to talk, connect, and improve their mental health in a positive environment.’

BroProject offers men opportunities to step away from daily pressures, have fun, and find support in a relaxed and open setting.

Matt explained: ‘Life should be fun, and I believe The BroProject can do more than just put smiles on faces.

‘Through our activities, we’re creating a supportive space where people can move forward, find connection, and help break the stigma around mental health.’

For more information about BroProject visit www.broproject.org.uk.