Matty Lewis

Breaking the line to tackle the Men's Mental Health Crisis

In a world increasingly defined by disconnection and mental strain, Matty Lewis, along with four close friends, is leading a movement for change in the provision of mental health support for men. As one of the co-founders of Menfulness, a grassroots charity based in York, Matty is redefining how men talk and connect on their mental health and we are delighted that he's our first 'Changemaker"on the Purpose Brief.

Matty is also the Head of the Fortus Foundation, which works with local voluntary organisations to fund impactful projects in Yorkshire, sitting at the intersection of corporate philanthropy and social good investment.

A Different Approach to Men’s Support

Originally founded in 2018 as Yorkey Dads, the charity was born out of personal experience and a tragedy that affected Matty deeply. After a good pal, Mick (known to friends as "Aky"), committed suicide, Matty and his friends, already knowing there was a lack of support out there, decided to take action themselves to ensure others could get help before it was too late. They were devastated they could not help and they recognised the importance of men connecting with one another and the severe gaps in accessible mental health services for men on a local level.

Menfulness provides a safe, non-judgemental space for men to talk about their mental health without pressure or stigma. Through activities like five-a-side football, mindfulness walks, dads/daughters' hair schools, or simply sharing a coffee, the charity promotes men supporting men. At its core, it offers a simple yet powerful solution: human connection.

From Peer Support to Preventative Wellbeing

Menfulness is unique in its blend of peer-led support with professional collaboration. The charity offers men in the local area:

• Regular fitness and social sessions to tackle isolation
• Subsidised/free access to trained mental health counsellors
• Awareness campaigns to challenge stigma and conversations
• A growing network of volunteers and ambassadors sharing their own stories

The charity also collaborates with Serendipity Counselling, providing men with rapid access to mental health counselling appointments, especially those who feel disconnected from traditional clinical services.

Expansion to Support Coastal Communities

The success of Menfulness in York has led to its expansion to coastal communities in Scarborough on the East Coast. After a year-long academic study by York St John University demonstrated the charity’s life-saving impact, the charity received a grant from the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board to extend its services to Scarborough, which has some of the lowest health outcomes in the UK.

This expansion aligns with the growing recognition of the challenges men face with mental health, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. York City Mayor David Skaith of York has been a strong supporter of Menfulness, recently committed to raise funds and awareness for the charity through his 5km daily run challenge.

In his recent announcement of a £3 million investment in mental health and physical wellbeing across North Yorkshire, Mayor Skaith emphasised the urgency of supporting men's mental health, especially in rural and coastal communities:

"The high suicide rates among men under 50 and the unique challenges faced by our rural communities demand a rapid response. This investment will ensure that men in the most isolated professions and areas have access to the support they need, improving their mental well-being and creating lasting change."

This investment includes a targeted program for men’s mental health, with a focus on communities like Scarborough, where deprivation and isolation exacerbate mental health issues.

Amplifying Impact Through Corporate Philanthropy

Matty is also a key fixture at the Fortus Foundation, the charitable arm of Fortus, a purpose-driven business advisory firm. The Foundation supports smaller, local charities across Yorkshire. Through a campaign called "Go Give One," business owners donate 1% of their profits to support impactful local projects. Fortus also commits 1% of turnover to ensure full transparency—every penny donated goes directly to the causes they support.

Matty’s role at the Fortus Foundation aligns with his philosophy of blending strategy with empathy and the Foundation has already funded a number of community projects across the York area. His work also extends to his position as Player Welfare Manager at York Knights Rugby League, ensuring that player performance is connected to their overall wellbeing. There are many strings to Matty's bow which is an acknowledgement of his reach across communities and his commitment to impact.

The Importance of Charity in Changing Systems

Menfulness has become a model for community-led innovation. It highlights the potential for philanthropy to drive systemic change in areas that are traditionally underfunded and underserved. Men’s mental health, in particular, remains a critical issue, and organisations like Menfulness are proving that change is possible when communities of like minded volunteers get together with intention to bridge a desperate gap in the system.

The team at Menfulness recently won the Ultimate Hero Award on the 2025 York Mix Hero Awards for their work and they continue to work tirelessly as a team - the founders and 20 volunteers - to scale up and deliver these services. The connectedness is important to them

How can you help?

Supporting small, volunteer led charities like Menfulness provides an opportunity to drive real change on systemic issues. And if you'd like to find out more about the work of Menfulness please follow them on Instgram

As a corporate or philanthropic minded individual, you can speak to Matty and the Fortus Foundation team to find out about the Go Give One as a locally focused project delivering real changes to communities across the York city region.

Thank you for being our first Changemaker spotlight Matty.