A Derry-based mental health charity has been forced to “suspend services” due to a lack of funding.
Men’s Action Network (MAN) announced last month it had to suspend new referrals and was at risk of being closed.
The charity has supported thousands of men and their families without the benefit of essential funding.
MAN had requested a meeting with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to seek funding, but the charity said the minister had “declined to meet” with the charity, as his predecessor had done before.
In a statement, chairperson John McAtamney said: “It is with deep regret that we announce the suspension of services at Men’s Action Network (MAN) after 30 years of providing support within our community.
“This decision was not made lightly, as we fully understand the vital role our charity plays in supporting men and families in our community.
“For nearly 30 years, MAN has been a beacon of hope for men in need, including victims of male domestic abuse who often have limited options for specialized support. We remain committed to our mission and are determined to return in the future, stronger and better equipped to continue this invaluable work.
“We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff and volunteers whose tireless efforts have been the cornerstone of our charity. We also extend our thanks to those who have voiced their sorrow and anger over our closure.
“Your support and encouragement highlight the profound need for our services and reinforce our commitment to finding a path forward.
“We are especially concerned that, despite requests from all five Foyle MLAs, two successive Health Ministers declined to meet with our charity. These meetings were crucial for exploring potential support that could have sustained our operations.
“According to our business case, every £1 invested in MAN saves £10 of the public purse, demonstrating the significant value of our work not only in terms of financial savings but also in alleviating pressure on the NHS, which regularly refers individuals to our services.”
He added: “Our charity’s absence leaves a significant gap in support for men, particularly those experiencing domestic abuse. We know that many will be left wondering where to turn now, and we urge other community organisations and stakeholders to step in where possible.
“The value of MAN’s nearly 30 years of work is recognised as invaluable and irreplaceable by numerous organizations and politicians, highlighting the uniqueness of the services we have provided.
“We are profoundly disappointed by the lack of governmental support that has contributed to this outcome, but our resolve to serve our community remains undiminished. To all those who have used our services, we thank you for your trust and courage.
“While MAN may be temporarily closing its doors, we encourage you to continue reaching out to other available resources in our community for help and support—you are not alone.”
The Department of Health said the 2024/25 Health Budget allocation was “a hugely disappointing outcome” for the health and social care system here.
“The Minister has robustly made the case for greater recognition of the challenges facing patients, staff, and organisations yet a majority of MLAs chose to vote for a budget that without doubt is going to cause harm, as well as limit any opportunity to support a wide range of otherwise essential projects moving forward,” a spokesperson added.
“Given the very significant financial challenges the Department is currently experiencing there is simply not any available funding to offer to the Men’s Action Network (MAN), therefore a meeting would not have been helpful for the network, particularly in advance of a clear future budget position for the services currently funded by the Department.
“The Department has valued the important work carried out by MAN and indeed the wider Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) to improve health and social care outcomes for the people of Northern Ireland.
“The Department will be working with the VCS, facilitated by NICVA, to redesign the Core Grant scheme to ensure maximum value for the sector.”
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