NEWS
PCP project development manager Rebecca Morgan , deputy chief executive Liz Fisher , Men ’ s Pie Club programme manager Chris Smith and PCP project lead Liz Godfrey .
IN PIE
PCP secures £ 50,000 to launch Men ’ s Pie Club in the Tees Valley
WE ‘ CRUST ’
Mind , a mental health charity , reports that men are three times more likely to take their own life than women - and is calling for action on ways we can support men in our community .
( MPC ) has been developed by social enterprise Food Nation to respond to the pressing need for social connections among men , who are at an increased risk of becoming socially isolated .
With a track record of five years and success in other areas , MPC has been proven to combat loneliness and support men .
Liz Fisher , deputy chief executive of the Pioneering Care Partnership ( PCP ), said :
“ PCP is becoming a Hub Partner to pioneer MPC in the Tees Valley , following £ 30,000 from Food Nation and a £ 20,000 contribution from National Lottery Funding , highlighting a rewarding partnership aimed at enhancing men ’ s mental health and wellbeing in the region .
“ At PCP , we ’ re committed to improving lives and fostering resilient communities . The MPC not only addresses the critical issue of social isolation among men , but also provides a platform for making meaningful connections .
“ As MPC says , it ’ s not just about the pies , it ’ s about the men making the pies being able to come along , get stuff of their chest and tuck into a tasty pie while they ’ re there .
“ Through this transformative initiative , PCP and MPC aspire to make a lasting impact on men ’ s mental health and wellbeing – one pie at a time .”
PCP ’ s designation as a Hub Partner marks the charity ’ s commitment to addressing mental health challenges in the community .
Led by local individuals , MPC operates as community groups for men aged 18 and over , tailored to meet the unique needs of each locality .
PCP will oversee the delivery of MPC in the Tees Valley , employing a coordinator to facilitate activities , while empowering members to take ownership of the clubs .
Pictured ( from left ): Carol Gaskarth with PCP project development manager Bobby Hewitson , operations and governance officer Melissa Spence , deputy chief executive Liz Fisher , community projects officer Ann Bell , centre lead for projects Georgina Beckensall , governance and development manager Sandra Roberts , customer service administrator Bev Walton and operations manager Vicky Browning .
PCP BECOMES A LIVING WAGE EMPLOYER
The Pioneering Care Partnership ( PCP ) has joined more than 15,000 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage that meets everyday needs – including an emergency trip to the dentist or the weekly food shop .
As a health and wellbeing charity , PCP ’ s new accreditation shows its commitment to supporting its people and recognising its staff are important , as they are the reason PCP is able to support over 120,000 people a year .
PCP chief executive Carol Gaskarth said : “ PCP employs more than 140 people across the North-East , and we want to ensure that our staff are not only valued , but also fairly compensated .
“ By becoming a Living Wage Employer our employees earn above the minimum wage , in alignment with real living costs . “ Our staff are the backbone of the organisation . Ensuring they are paid a fair wage is essential , especially during the costof-living crisis .
“ Ensuring staff are paid a fair wage is essential to their health and wellbeing – so it ’ s an important step for us to ensure we support our staff to have a happy and healthy life .”
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