Baker Estates has committed to supporting a pioneering community interest initiative, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, dedicated to transforming the way men discuss their mental health.
With a monthly donation, Baker Estates will help fund BroProject’s vital work, including 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.
BroProject was founded by Matt Peterson, from Newton Abbot, who faced his 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 explains: “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.”
BroProject’s mission is to create a society where mental health is valued, understood, and supported. 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, ensuring that support is always available when needed. Matt, who is himself a trained mental health first aider, believes that laughter, social interaction, and shared experiences play a vital role in improving mental well-being.
“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, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, commenting:
“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.”
In a world where stress and mental health struggles are becoming increasingly prevalent, BroProject is working to change the narrative by offering men opportunities to step away from daily pressures, have fun, and find support in a relaxed and open setting.
For more information about BroProject and how to get involved, please visit www.broproject.org.uk