MenCareToo – Male Carers Monthly Support & Respite Programme (April 2026–April 2027)

The MenCareToo project has grown significantly since launching in October 2023. We actively advertise, engage with, and identify male unpaid carers across Helensburgh and Lomond, supporting those who are traditionally reluctant to seek help. Through this targeted outreach, the group now has 15 regular members who attend monthly support and activity based sessions and continues to grow. Men often experience stigma when undertaking caring roles, as caring is still commonly viewed as a female responsibility. This can make it difficult for men to acknowledge stress or seek support. MenCareToo provides a safe, non judgemental, activity centred space where men can connect naturally and talk more openly. By embedding conversation within shared activities, the programme reduces stigma and increases comfort in accessing support. Since 2023, members have built strong peer relationships. They now spend time together outside the group, check in on each other during difficult periods, and offer ongoing support and genuine friendships. This strengthens wellbeing and reduces isolation. Each monthly session includes a group chosen activity, opportunities for informal peer support, listening based emotional support from staff, food, refreshments, and travel where needed. Staff time and venue hire at Lomond House are provided in kind. A breakdown of activities can be provided. The programme also includes an overnight residential at the Glynhill Hotel in October. We have delivered a residential before and carers found it extremely beneficial for their wellbeing, confidence, and peer connection. For this reason, October includes two sessions: the planned Halloween event and the Glynhill residential.

Who Benefits

Helensburgh & Lomond Carers (HLCC) is a long established Scottish charity providing free emotional support, advocacy, information, counselling, wellbeing activities, holistic therapies, PoA/Guardianship support, respite, and social opportunities for unpaid carers. We support 1,159 adult carers, including 315 men (27%), who are significantly less likely to seek help, engage in mixed groups, express stress, or self identify as carers. MenCareToo is uniquely important as a male only, activity based space that reduces stigma and builds confidence. As men feel more at ease, many go on to access wider HLCC services and community supports. The group strengthens emotional wellbeing through natural peer discussion, reduces isolation by fostering strong friendships, provides meaningful respite through monthly activities, and increases engagement with support services such as advocacy, benefits guidance, counselling, and wellbeing programmes.