Project 23 wins for Supporting Health and Wellbeing at Manchester's Be Proud Awards 2023

By GM Moving | 07 March 2023 | TAGS:

Mark Sproston has won the Supporting Health and Wellbeing award, sponsored by MCRactive, for his Project 23 mental health group at the City of Manchester Be Proud Awards 2023.

Mark set up Project 23 after losing his brother to suicide and facing challenges of his own to support people experiencing poor mental health.

Happy Somedays FC and Kathy Morrison, from Morrisso Health, were finalists in the category which recognises groups that support communities with their physical health and their mental and physical wellbeing.

Project 23 provides 1:1 support and physical activity opportunities, through free fitness facilities and exercise classes, to help residents in Wythenshawe.

Mark built the gym in his back garden to support the project and refers those struggling with their mental health to professionals, remaining by their side throughout their recovery.

Andrew Parkinson, a member of Project 23, said:

"I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Mark. He offered to help me through a time I was struggling and continued to be my crutch, and with this group, he offers the same support by providing people with a space to talk.

"Mark is very self-giving and he has always put everyone before himself - because of him this project has gone from a chat room to a community."

Mark told the Manchester Evening News:

"After losing my brother to suicide I'd closed myself away from everyone and drank excessive alcohol to cope. Until one day, I decided this needed to change - I wanted to be the 'man that broke the mould'.

"The gym was available for anyone and offers a place for people who may need support. I'd thought we'd get around 13 people joining, but the group now has over 1,000 members.”

Elsewhere, Marise Lindsey from The Lakeside Cafe picked up the Business in the Community for providing support for people during the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.

The café, in Boggart Hole Clough, offers health walks as key part of its support for people of all ages to meet-up, chat and connect.

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said:

“These awards are a wonderful way to remind the city’s community groups, volunteers, inspirational neighbours, and local heroes just how brilliant they are.

“The contribution made to the city by our residents cannot be underestimated.”