On 4th September, Adamson House held a fantastic fundraiser in support of Andy’s Man Club, a men’s mental health charity working to prevent suicide and create safe spaces for men to talk. The event brought staff and the people we support together for a day that mixed teamwork and some truly memorable challenges.
The fundraiser was very much a team effort. Staff and the people we support decorated the service with a colourful balloon arch, organised tombolas and raffles, and baked cakes and cookies for a bustling cake stall. On the morning of the event, everyone pulled together to set up the buffet and make sure the space felt welcoming.
The day officially got underway with Deputy Service Manager, Mandi, taking on not one but three ice bucket challenges. Cheered on by everyone, it was a brilliant (if chilly) start to the activities.
Next came the Bush Tucker Trial, where Service Manager Neil and Team Leader Laura faced a four-course menu designed to test their nerves more than their tastebuds:
Both pushed through, helped by plenty of encouragement from the people we support and fellow staff watching.
Later in the day, a lively general knowledge quiz brought out some friendly competition, with Neil just edging the win by a single point.
The tombola proved popular too, with prizes shared between staff and the people we support. Michaela was delighted to win the top prize, a £25 Amazon voucher, while Steven proudly took home a chocolate bouquet, which he promised to share with everyone at Adamson House.
What stood out most wasn’t just the activities, but the sense of community:
Darren, Support Worker:
“From decorating to preparing food and running the activities, everyone got stuck in as a team. The people we support also got involved with Michaela taking part in a sponsored silence; she did amazing and lasted for 5 hours. I personally was so proud of everyone for taking part and just making the day more memorable for the people we support and for also raising awareness for the Andy’s Man Club. I hope everyone took something positive away from what was something to be very proud of Adamson House.”
Steven, Person We Support:
“I want to say a big thank you to all the staff who have organised this event and also for a great day, it had eased my anxieties and took my mind off things. It was great to see Mandi, Laura and Neil completing these challenges, and it was all for an important cause. Winning the chocolate bouquet was a bonus, I am going to share this with Adamson House, all the staff have been incredible.”
Michaela, Person We Support:
“It was a very fun day, I took part by doing a sponsored silence, and I had people donating. It was great to see people have fun and all to raise money for an important cause. I am very happy I won a £25 Amazon voucher and a teddy bear. I am very proud of Mandi, Neil and Laura for completing their challenges.”
Laura, Team Leader:
“I would like to thank all the staff for the hard work and dedication that went into prepping for this event. I would also like to thank everyone who attended and donated to this cause. The day was such great day, seeing everyone coming together was amazing to see, I am very proud of my collegues, Neil and Mandi who also took on a challenge.
I can’t stress enough how important it is for men to speak on their mental health. My passion is to make awareness of this and to say that it is okay for a man to talk about how they are feeling, seeing how most of the people we support, staff, and attendees were and are majority men. The Adamson House team and the people we support had a fantastic day, and I am proud of each and every single one of them.”
By the end of the day, the fundraiser had raised a total of £450—an incredible result. Even more importantly, it sparked conversations about men’s mental health and showed the strength of the Adamson House community.
The team is already looking ahead, with an obstacle course and golf tournament planned as the next steps in their fundraising journey.
If you would like to make a donation to this brilliant cause, you can visit the JustGiving page.
